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Absent Matter

Dancers Jae Neal and Penda N'diaye, one lifted in an extended backbend with arm outstretched, another crouched beside her, blue-lit stage with fence-like backdrop projection.
Credit: Sharen Bradford

About the Performance

Engaging with artists across disciplines, Absent Matter (2015) is a work for five dancers made in collaboration with musicians Kris Bowers and Otis Brown III and filmmaker Naima Ramos Chapman.

Choreography
Kyle Abraham in collaboration with the company
Music composed & arranged by

Kris Bowers and Otis Brown III, including segments by Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West

Music performed by

Kris Bowers (keys), Otis Brown III (drums), Burniss Earl Travis II (bass)

Set and Lighting Design

Dan Scully

Costume Design

Karen Young

Video Design

Naima Ramos Chapman

Premiere Cast

Kyle Abraham, Tamisha A. Guy, Penda N’diaye, Jae Neal, Jie-Hung Connie Shiau

Duration
17 minutes
Premiere
Dallas City Performance Hall, Dallas, TX (2015)

Support

Absent Matter was commissioned in part by Rick Beyer with additional support from a Princess Grace Foundation-USA Special Project grant.

Gallery

  • Absent Matter (2015)
  • Three dancers in light-colored clothing perform a solemn, grounded pose on a dimly lit stage in "Absent Matter."
    Tamisha A. Guy, Penda N'diaye, Jae NealCredit: Sharen Bradford
  • A dancer arches backward supported by another performer while a third dancer reaches out in the background during a stage performance of "Absent Matter."
    Connie Shiau, Jae Neal, Penda N'diayeCredit: Sharen Bradford
  • Two main dancers execute an expressive, intertwined duet on stage while ensemble dancers perform in the background.
    Connie Shiau, Penda N'diaye, Jae Neal, Tamisha A. GuyCredit: Ellen Crane Photography
  • A dancer lies flat on the floor as another leans back over them with an extended arm under projected stage backdrop lighting.
    Jae Neal, Penda N'diayeCredit: Sharen Bradford
  • Dancer Tamisha A. Guy leaps straight up into the air with arms extended overhead in a white ensemble performance.
    Tamisha A. GuyCredit: Ellen Crane Photography
  • Solo dancer Tamisha A. Guy bows slightly and reaches one arm downward during a contemporary dance performance on a white floor.
    Tamisha A. GuyCredit: Ellen Crane Photography
  • Dancer Tamisha A. Guy poses on one knee with her head tilted upward under a spotlight in "Absent Matter."
    Tamisha A. GuyCredit: Ellen Crane Photography
  • Dancer Tamisha A. Guy stands centered under overhead lights with her head bowed and hands resting near her hips.
    Tamisha A. GuyCredit: Sharen Bradford
  • Dancer Tamisha A. Guy executes a high vertical leg extension with wide arms under stage spotlights.
    Tamisha A. GuyCredit: Ellen Crane Photography

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