The Second Metropolis engaged with DC audiences at Woolly Mammoth in 2016 after Trump’s first election. Behold, right here we’re once more. Who woulda thunk?
If laughter is the “best” drugs, in the case of the well being of the town of Washington, DC, and the nation, The Second Metropolis has earned the medical label of “PRN” (professional re nata: to be administered because the state of affairs calls for or as wanted).
Ah, however is the prescription a soothing balm or a gut-wrenching emetic? From the primary moments of this present, it’s just like the viewers is being doused in a pool of ice-cold water. The music, dancing, and exclamations from the performers are loud, profane, unrepentant, and shockingly alive. And it’s screamingly humorous.
Breon Arzell, Arlietta Corridor, and Tamieka Chavis in The Second Metropolis’s ‘Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching’ at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Firm, 2024. Picture by Teresa Castracane.
This present takes the viewers by the scruff of the neck, shakes us awake, out of our numbness, despair, and inaction. Neither self-pity nor isolation was a part of this manufacturing’s prescription. The decision-and-response rituals that Black Individuals are recognized for are central to the best way this present works. If you understand the music, you may be anticipated to sing alongside, by the point the primary three notes have sounded. Greater than probably, one can find your self surrounded by a congregation of people that will already be doing so, particularly when strains from songs such because the just lately deceased Frankie Beverly’s Earlier than I Let Go are heard from the sound system. What’s most urgently embodied on this manufacturing is the follow of recognizing, being grateful for, and celebrating the items that the lives of the ancestors have given us and that may assist us confront what we have now to confront: reasonably than collapsing beneath the ache of the shock of the loss.
This present makes use of the blackout sketch format we’re accustomed to from Giggle-In, Saturday Night time Reside, and most pointedly In Residing Coloration, the present that introduced the Wayan Brothers comedy franchise with its African American–centered sensibility to American tv audiences. Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching has the brash, late-night feeling of actions which are delayed till the youngsters have gone to mattress. From the ample use of profanity to the anomaly of ethical and cultural decisions the present addresses, I’m tempted to say this isn’t a present for youngsters. However remembering that James Baldwin’s The Fireplace Subsequent Time (a writing that additionally addresses ethical and cultural decisions for Black Individuals) begins with a letter to his 13-year-old nephew, I’ll simply say: be suggested.
Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching a present by which you might be continuously uncertain whether or not you need to chortle or cringe, then end up all of the sudden, unexpectedly screaming with laughter. I screamed greater than as soon as over some outrageous or provocative assertion or state of affairs.
Full forged of The Second Metropolis’s ‘Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching’ at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Firm, 2024. Picture by Teresa Castracane.
This forged is like an elite warrior class of improvisers participating in life-and-death encounters on that stage: they decide to the premises of the sketches in a means that feels muscular. They present us what is feasible in the event you do the work: you don’t see doubt or hesitation in something they do irrespective of how difficult or absurd.
And so they dance and so they sing with equal dedication.
SEE BELOW for neighborhood occasions and particular pricing through the run.
There are some much less intense moments that approached being comforting due to their cultural familiarity. Two such moments concerned that fertile floor for cultural exploration, the “church.” One skit concerned the pastor’s spouse, who, as a sickly choir member, is afraid of dropping her place as soloist to a flirtatious and bold rival. The rivals commerce trills and runs backwards and forwards whereas the pastor-husband and a male choir member flirt with one another. In one other skit, the therapeutic of a church member is efficiently undertaken by a really enthusiastic and flamboyant liturgical dancer.
One other empathy-inducing section consisted of a litany of descriptions of what heaven could be like for Black folks. One poignant description was: “In Black Heaven there will be rooms where you can just be. Because Black people never have a place where they can just be.”
Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching opens and closes with this assertion: Black individuals are not a monolith.
This can be a assertion of truth. It’s additionally a mantra, a prayer, a plea, and a reminder.
Acknowledging that the Confederacy has merely bided its time till it was able to take again the usA., how would you dance in the event you knew that there have been Black folks watching?
Working Time: Varies between 90 and 100 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission.
This system for The Second Metropolis: Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching is on-line right here.
COVID Security: Masks are elective in all public areas at Woolly Mammoth Theatre apart from a mask-required efficiency Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m. Woolly’s full security coverage is offered right here.
The Second Metropolis: Dance Like There’s Black Folks WatchingDirected by Rob WilsonEnsemble: Breon Arzell, Tamieka Chavis, Jillian Ebanks, Arlieta Corridor, Max Thomas, Julius Shanks IIUnderstudies: Cynthia Davis, Joseph Griffin II, Raymond J., Pauline LambVP of Inventive: Jen EllisonProducer: Jeremy SmithStage Supervisor: Devonte E. WashingtonScenic & Lighting Designer: Colin Okay. BillsSound Designer: Tony BelsitoWardrobe Stylist: Chelsey Carter-Sanders
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND SPECIAL PRICING
$40 HOUSE SEATSSave & sit near the motion! Each efficiency of Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching affords a restricted provide of “House Seats” within the entrance orchestra. These premium seats are usually between $60-$80. This non-obstructed view locations audiences in direct proximity to the performers and is the proper choice for these wanting to take part in call-and-response and even play a task within the efficiency. Choose the “House Seat” choice when buying tickets from the dropdown menu.
HERD HAPPY HOURSRaise your glass to fifteen years of collaboration between Woolly Mammoth and The Second Metropolis. At these mix-and-mingle cocktail hours with completely happy hour specials, we are going to share insights on the method, enjoyable details about native comedy, and perhaps even a sneak preview of what’s coming to the stage in 2025. Choose Completely satisfied Hours will function native improv groups, Baggage Declare, Kinfolk and Lena Dunham, earlier than the 8pm efficiency of Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching. Tune in to catch the most recent and best from Washington Improv Theater, hear about upcoming exhibits and lessons, and be taught extra about our thrilling new partnership. All are welcome!Worth: FreeInformation: hereDates:
Thursday, November 14th @ 7:00 pm: That includes friends from Washington Improv Theater!
Thursday, December fifth @ 7:00 pm: That includes Woolly Mammoth Director of Manufacturing Ben Levine and Affiliate Creative Director/Director of Connectivity Kristen Jackson
Thursday, December twelfth @ 7:00 pm: That includes friends from Washington Improv Theater!
Thursday, December nineteenth @ 7:00 pm: That includes Woolly Mammoth Director of New Work Sonia Fernandez and Affiliate Creative Director/Director of Connectivity, Kristen Jackson
CONNECTIVITY EVENTS
Childcare MatineeDate: December seventh, 2024,Time: 2:30 pm – 4:40 pmPrice: $30 little one/$20 every further siblingLimit 12 individuals per sectionConnectivity Core Companion The Theatre Lab will present a developmentally acceptable workshop targeted on performing, improvisation and storytelling whereas caretakers get pleasure from a efficiency of Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching. Actions will give attention to cultivating creativity, constructing confidence, and growing an ensemble by theatre video games and workouts. The lesson plan will embody a hands-on craft exercise and a snack break. Supervision shall be supplied beginning half-hour previous to showtime and as much as 10 minutes post-show. Part 1 is for ages 3-5, and Part 2 is for ages 6-10.
Tremendous-Sized Spit DatDate: November 18, 2024, 8 pm – 10 pmPrice: FREETickets: https://www.woollymammoth.web/productions/spit-dat-in-residency/This particular version of Spit Dat, DC’s longest-running open mic, is impressed by The Second Metropolis’s Dance Like Black Folks is Watching. Co-hosts Miko Reed and Drew Anderson invite you to expertise the powerfully weak, irreverently wacky, intellectually stimulating Church of Spit Dat.
Behind the Groove—DC EditionDate: November twenty third, 2024, 10pm – 1 amPrice: FREEWoolly Mammoth and Connectivity Core Companion Miss Chief Rocka current Hip-Hop legend Rokafella’s Behind the Groove—DC Version. This well-liked NYC dance occasion occasion will debut in DC and invite road and club-style dancers to freestyle and share in an trade of strikes. This electrical night features a Recent Match Clothes Swap.
SPOTLIGHT NIGHTS
Woolly will host affinity and trade nights all through the run through a model new “spotlight on…” sequence. These nights are open to all however will have a good time distinctive members of our neighborhood with particular ticket costs, shock merchandise, drink specials, featured distributors, and extra! Right here’s what’s arising throughout, Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching.
Pupil NightDate: Thursday Nov 14Price: $25Tickets: Use Code STUDENTNITE
Presently enrolled faculty college students should buy tickets at $25 scholar charge for the November 14 efficiency the place they’re invited to mix-and-mingle with their friends within the Woolly foyer earlier than the present. To have a good time finals week, we are going to function a cheerful hour menu (IDs required!) and a Woolly branded merch product!
FriendsgivingDate: Sunday December 1stPrice: $49Tickets: Use “Friendsgiving” Worth TypeWhether you’re staying residence for the vacations or DC is your thanksgiving vacation spot, be part of us earlier than the 2pm AND 7pm exhibits on Sunday December 1st and your ticket contains one complimentary snack and an exercise to attach with theatregoers.
Vacation SpiritsDates: December 13 & 20Price: $50Tickets: Use “Holiday Spirits” Worth Kind
Able to ring in 2025 like we’re?? Assist us all convey heat to the season, with an unsightly sweater occasion previous to the present, together with a pre-show spirit tasting, supplied by a neighborhood distillery. Plus, obtain a limited-edition Woolly Mammoth decoration solely obtainable on the “Holiday Spirit” worth.
Neighborhood NightDate: December 6Price: $50Tickets: Use code NEIGHBORS
That includes pop-ups from Penn Quarter favorites, any resident of downtown DC should buy tickets at a particular charge for the December 6 efficiency of Dance Like There’s Black Folks Watching.