With EVIDENCE; the baldwin suite, William Hooker pays homage to the multifaceted James Baldwin during his year. Conceived by drummer William Hooker, Evidence is a stirring multimedia tribute to the ferociously daring novelist and social critic, James Baldwin. Featuring the talents of Mr. Hooker and his quintet of world-class improvisors and dancers (Tor Snyder,Jesse Henry,Matt Lavelle), rapper AKU STYX, and dancer-choreographer Juan Michael Porter (with Jinah Parker) this hour long work celebrates Baldwin’s great works and adherence to his number one conviction: speaking truth to power, regardless of how painful. An informal conversation with the audience and performers will follow the performance.
With EVIDENCE; the baldwin suite, William Hooker pays homage to the multifaceted James Baldwin during his year. Conceived by drummer William Hooker, Evidence is a stirring multimedia tribute to the ferociously daring novelist and social critic, James Baldwin.
Artist Statement
The Year of Baldwin’ is especially important because many remain unaware of what Baldwin accomplished in ‘bearing witness’ to a particularly turbulent time in this country’s history. This project is a needed step in the direction of educating many to Baldwin’s philosophy and meaning(to society and art). Truly ahead of his time, much of what Baldwin spoke presaged today’s hyper politicized reality with an acuity that borders on the supernatural. EVIDENCE serves not only as a reminder of what Baldwin knew to be true but for what he saw as the path to transcendence: self acceptance. It has been suggested that this work should be presented in theaters in the Northeast as well as junior and high school students to get further visibility under the umbrella of the city of NY. An expanded version of this work will include a story -form using Abby London Crawford, who’s husband was a friend of Mr. Baldwin. Her first person knowledge will enhance the authenticity of the project to make the narrative complete.
