Residency explores ancestry, identity

“HaMapah/The Map”—a multimedia, genealogical dance performance by DNAWORKS—takes place Thursday, Sept. 29. Related discussions about identity and belonging will be held from Sept. 29 and 30.

Committed to dialogue and healing through the arts, DNAWORKS has facilitated conversations between Israelis and Palestinians, Hungarians and Roma, and many others through workshops and performances at colleges, museums, and other venues across the US and around the world. 

Before the Skidmore performance, DNAWORKS co-founder Daniel Banks will meet with classes, talk confidentially with a range of campus groups and individuals and lead public discussions about Skidmore’s climate of access, equity, and welcoming. “HaMapah/The Map” traces the intersections of dancer (and DNAWORKS co-founder) Adam McKinney's African American, Native American, and Jewish heritages. The show combines contemporary dance with archival material, interviews, video, and Yiddish and American songs to address issues of identity, ancestry, and family.

Residency events that welcome campus participants include:

* “HaMapah” Performance, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m., Dance Theater

* Faculty discussion, Sept. 30, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Surrey-Williamson Inn

* Campuswide discussion, Sept. 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Bernhard Theater

For the performance, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; doors open at 7:40 p.m.

DNAWORKS last performed “HaMapah/The Map” at Skidmore in 2012; newspaper review here.

This week's residency is co-sponsored by several Skidmore departments and offices, to create opportunities for dialogue that can further the healing and improvement of the campus climate.