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Camille A. Brown & Dancers 'Black Girl: Linguistic Play'

In 'BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play,' Camille A. Brown draws upon the rhythmic pulsation of double Dutch, the complexity of step and tap, and the full-body percussion of juba to elevate the cultural contributions of black girls to triumphant artistic expression. Through these dances, Brown explores how black girls and women "perform" in order to meet social expectations, while still maintaining their own cultural language, and translates the spontaneous movement of youth into sophisticated, sneaker-stomping footwork. The dancers smile as they move and lock eyes as they tussle, reveling in the complicated patterns that grow out of schoolyard play. The result is a joyous celebration of youthful movement that manages to raise essential questions about what it means to become and be seen as a black woman in America.

Duke Performances Artist-in-Residence Camille A. Brown has created an essential trilogy of works that redefine black identity within the evolving cultural landscape of this country: 'Mr. TOL E. RAncE,' 'BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play,' and 'ink.' Her series of three one-week residencies at Duke Performances with her company, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, marks the first time a single presenter has staged this trilogy in its entirety. Separately, the shows function as breathtaking stand-alone pieces; together, they form a striking commentary on perceptions of black identity.

'Black Girl: Linguistic Play' will be performed February 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.

Contact: Gloria Hunt