BRIAR is a world premiere evening-length dance theater piece created by seymour::dancecollective. It explores the possibilities (and limitations) of abstracting Blackness and race in American society. Influenced by writers such as Hanif Abdurraqib, bell hooks, & Robin D.G. Kelley this work seeks to physicalize weight and quandary of cultural affiliation. Using personal storytelling, rich physicality, deep humor and soulful music the work takes a non-linear approach to performance that poses questions and delights in ambiguity.

Credits: Choreography & Performance: This work is created collaboratively by Styles Alexander, Davarria Ford, Abigail Hinson, Z Jackson, Johnny Nguyen, Danielle Noda and Chafin Seymour. It is performed by Davarria Ford, Abigail Hinson, Johnny Nguyen, Dannielle Noda and Chafin Seymour.
Music by various artists with mixing and sound design by Chafin Seymour. Text for spoken word by Chafin Seymour in collaboration with the performers.

This work is supported by the Zellerbach Family Foundation Community Arts Grant, the Dancer's Group CA$H Grant, the Berkeley Ballet Theater Artist in Residence program, the Zaccho Artist in Residence Program, and an ODC Rental Discount Initiative Award.