The Drama World Premiere in New York City at the Guggenheim Works & Process’s Underground Uptown Dance Festival.
Written and Performed by Lloyd Knight
Direction & Choreography by Jack Ferver
Production Design by Jeremy Jacob
Music by Jeremy Jacob, Julius Eastman, and George Frideric Handel
Created by Martha Graham Dance Company principal dancer Lloyd Knight, choreographer Jack Ferver, and filmmaker Jeremy Jacob, THE DRAMA highlights Knight’s life in an intimate and personal solo dance work inspired by two important women in his life: his mother and the legendary modern dance choreographer Martha Graham. This Works & Process commission lays bare what it takes both physically and psychologically to pursue a life in dance and touches on Knight’s upbringing and what drew him to dance from an early age. THE DRAMA immerses the audience in its shifts between high octane choreography and a candid script, set against a sweeping film and sound score. Marketing and Artistic Director of DANCECleveland Sarah Sumbrum will moderate a discussion with Knight, Ferver, and Jacob.
THE DRAMA is commissioned by Works & Process and DANCECleveland and has received Works & Process LaunchPAD residency support at Bridge Street Theatre (2024 and 2025), Modern Accord Depot (2022), and Watermill Center (2023). Additional residency support was provided by a fellowship at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division. Leadership support for THE DRAMA is provided by Christopher Jones and Deb McAlister.