Friday, April 14, 7 p.m.—CASTLETON—“The Opulence of Integrity” is a theatrical, multimedia ensemble work inspired by the public life and inner searching of boxing’s outspoken superstar, Muhammad Ali. Inspired by Ali’s career as a boxer and life as a social activist, public martyr, and human being, choreographer Christal Brown deploys her eclectic movement vernacular to illustrate the turmoil of a life infused by divinity yet misinterpreted by humanity. By using Ali as an archetype, “The Opulence of Integrity” explores the homogeneous inner struggle for identity as it pertains to men of color in the United States. Christal Brown’s troupe is currently in residency at Castleton University, April 10-14, to lead a number of master classes and give performances for local schools. The week-in-residency culminates with a public performance Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. in the Casella Theater.
The show is a unique dance/theater piece, incorporating elements of martial arts, boxing, modern dance, theater, hip hop, and multimedia. This work places an historical lens on a contemporary issue, taking an intimate and expansive look at the social, economic, and spiritual trappings that continually prohibit freedom, while drawing clear parallels of war, resistance, and perseverance. Brown pours her own experience into the work and dedicates “The Opulence of Integrity” to her father, brother, and uncle who, in her words, “fought but did not win” and to her son “whose battle has not yet begun.”
“I came, I saw. I loved,” said Marlies Yearby, Tony Award winning choreographer of “Rent” on Broadway.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for Castleton alumni and seniors, and $12 for children available at castleton.edu/tickets or the Fine Arts Center Box Office. For more information, call 802-468-1119.
Photo courtesy of Castleton University
“The Opulence of Integrity” explores the homogeneous inner struggle for identity as it pertains to men of color in the United States. Following a week-in-residency, the show will be open to the public, Friday.
