South Florida native son Gentry George, returns home from Washington Heights, NYC to present a special one-night performance titled, “The Courageous Chapel, Abandoning Theater,” at the Broward County Main Library Theater in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The new work re-interprets traditional gospel songs and spiritual dances through a collage of modern choreography by George and members of his ZEST Collective, featuring riveting music from Elvis Presley, Inez Matthews, and Peyman Yazdanian.
DMM: Congratulations on ZEST’s first tour! Tell us how this exciting venture came about.
Gentry: Thank you very much. A year ago Clare Vickery, Director of Grace Arts Center, and I discussed how we might collaborate in South Florida to present an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that was fresh and relevant to modern audiences. This new collaboration between Grace Arts FL, ZEST Collective, and Dj Felix introduces audiences to our developing project scheduled for an opening in early 2017. I am extremely excited to bring ZEST to my hometown and am looking forward to making a warm and positive impression.
DMM: What will you present next month?
Gentry: ‘The Courageous Chapel’ emphasizes the sensitivity of man to the pangs of life and suggests that without faith and exercising it in our lives, our community is a much harder place to live. Choreography for this March performance is catalyzed by hip-hop, jazz, old-time gospel spirituals and classical opera intended to inspire.
The performance will be followed by a talkback with Neil Ramsay, curator of “ArtsUp,” a gallery in nearby Flagler Arts Village.
In addition to our new collaboration, we will present excerpts from our existing repertoire, accompanied live by Felix of Fusik, Florida’s Funk Band. I will also premiere a brand new solo titled “Suddenly There’s a Valley,” with music by Gogi Grant.
DMM: What would you like audiences to take away from this performance?
Gentry: What we are presenting through performance art is very relevant now given the world’s current political, spiritual and socioeconomic climate. This new work expresses love, joy, and forgiveness, and the striving human spirit. This work speaks to a new generation and encourages them to translate their hope into creative and purposeful lives. Tickets available via Eventbrite: http://
To learn more visit: www.zestcollective.org
Promotional Video: https://www.youtube.com/
Mariusz Kujawski and Riiko Kitayama, Photo by Felix Kunze
Gentry Isaiah George, Artistic Director – ZEST Collective | Photo by Felix Kunze
What: ‘The Courageous Chapel,’ A Performance by Gentry George and the ZEST Collective
When: March 16th, 2016 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Broward County Main Library Theatre, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tickets: $20. $25 at the door
Tickets available via Eventbrite: http://zestcollectiveflorida.
After Party & Talkback with the Cast: March 16th at Arts Up. (529 NW 1st Avenue)
Tickets: $45 (includes appetizers, light fare, and beverages)
Details: ZEST Collective: 5 stories told through dance and musical interpretation featuring DJ Felix, of Fusik, Florida’s Funk Band and the ZEST Collective
