Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ University's 2008-09 Witt Series has featured award-winning authors, artists and musicians. Next on the schedule is a performance by acclaimed dance company Evidence, under the artistic direction of Ronald K. Brown, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in Kuss Auditorium of the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
The event is co-sponsored by Gil Belles, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ class of 1962, and The Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Guild, a women's organization that supports the university through scholarships, campus landscaping, artwork and other fund-raising initiatives.
Founded by Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, N.Y., Evidence "focuses on the seamless fusion of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word," according to the dance company's Web site. Its mission is to "promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement and spoken word."
Among his career highlights, Brown has choreographed works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Ko-Thi Dance Company and Philadanco. He also choreographed Regina Taylor's award-winning play, Crowns.
Evidence annually tours throughout the United States, and the dance company has performed internationally as well, including tours through Cuba, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Mexico and Senegal. Brown and dancers in the company perform, teach master classes and conduct lecture/demonstrations for young people.
Free tickets may be obtained at the service desk in the Benham-Prince Student Center at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ or through the box office at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. The phone number there is (937) 328-3874.
The Witt Series is a selection of cultural activities annually presented by Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ University. All Series events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jeannine Fox, Series coordinator, at (937) 327-7470 or via e-mail.