BROOKLYN, NY--(Marketwire - March 12, 2010) - Brooklyn's own Errol Grimes Dance Group (EGDG) will mark its first public appearance in 2010 with a five-day schedule of performances of its dance theater work "Let's Crack Some Eggs" at Long Island University's Kumble Theater of the Performing Arts beginning on Wednesday, March 17, through Sunday, March 21. Tickets for all seats are $15, with $10 tickets for seniors and students. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each night, with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
Kumble Theater is located at the corner of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues in downtown Brooklyn. For more tickets or more information, call (718) 488-1624 or visit www.kumbletheater.org.
"Let's Crack Some Eggs" portrays a young man's return visit to his loving aunt on his island homeland. While there, childhood memories are stirred with visits from characters who reflect his upbringing and Afro-Caribbean heritage. These memories mix with American influences from popular culture to provide a recipe for nourishment, growth and life itself -- all of which come together in his Aunt's morning wake-up call for breakfast -- "Let's Crack Some Eggs!"
The performance run is part of Brooklyn Arts Council's Black Brooklyn Renaissance festival.
"Let's Crack Some Eggs" first was performed at New York City's La MaMa, ETC, in 2006. According to EGDG Artistic Director and Choreographer Errol Grimes, the 2010 interpretation includes new materials and additional sections, with an ensemble of seven dancers, one boy actor/dancer and one actress. The performance, based on a short story by Errol Grimes, will include original music from Mark Ballora, a script written in collaboration with Errol Grimes and Michael Dinwiddie, with choreography, concept and design by Errol Grimes. The creative team also includes Lionel Valle, set consultant; Nick Hung, production supervisor; and Tsubasa Kamel, light design.
"Family, fantasy and community all figure prominently in 'Let's Crack Some Eggs,' and I'm excited to present this work in Brooklyn, New York -- which is both the hometown of EGDG and the largest Caribbean community outside the Caribbean basin," said Grimes, who himself is a native of Barbados. "In bringing 'Let's Crack Some Eggs' to the stage this year, it's fitting that this production will involve many civic leaders and community organizations which helped to make this event possible."
During the performance run, EGDG will dedicate special performances to organizations and individuals, Grimes said. On March 19, five individuals each will be honored as a "Champion of the Arts," including New York State Senators Kevin Parker and Velmanette Montgomery; New York City Council Members Letitia James and Charles Barron; and Steven Ostner, senior partner, Debevoise & Plimpton, who also serves as counsel to EGDG. On March 20, EGDG's performance will recognize The Dedicators, an established Panamanian-American community organization that provides college scholarships for young women. Other acknowledgements also are planned.
"Although a reflection of my own life as an artist," Grimes said, "'Let's Crack Some Eggs' also strives to be a universal story of the hero's journey to maturation."
About Errol Grimes Dance Group
The Errol Grimes Dance Group (EGDG) explores contemporary dance and themes informed by an American and Afro-West Indian perspective. EGDG productions feature collaboration in disciplines such as poetry, music, visual arts and multimedia. Dedicated to performing for audiences -- locally, nationally and internationally, EGDG also aims to conduct residencies, workshops, and symposia in the communities in which it performs. Errol Grimes, the founder, artistic director and choreographer of EGDG, has been described as a "poet of motion" by Jack Anderson of The New York Times. Mr. Grimes identifies his muse as an early immersion in Barbadian mythology, story-telling, music, culinary arts and costume. The mix of English colonial customs and African culture he experienced in Barbados while growing up there is a key influence in the aesthetics of his work. His vision is rooted in a deep interest in the individual's quest for identity. Errol Grimes has conceptualized and choreographed numerous dances, including four full-evening works. In many performances, he has engaged collaborative efforts with musicians, composers, opera singers, writers, actors, circus artists and designers. In addition, EGDG launched "Dance: Demo & Discuss," an arts in education program which features in-school performances that feature post-performance discussion with students and the company. In 2008, EGDG inaugurated an after-school dance instruction program. EGDG was incorporated in 1999.
[Editor's Note: A complimentary press registration for this event is available. Contact Chet Dalzell to make arrangements and/or to arrange interviews. Images also are available for 'Let's Crack Some Eggs' through Chet Dalzell.]
Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
EGDG: Chet Dalzell
(917) 608-2251