Dance Flash: Folawole's "Exposition of the Heart"

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A night featuring dance, song, a saxophonist, art, and cuisine may sound like a walk through a Presidio Heights soirée, but it's actually a quick and dirty overview of Folawole's inaugural season at Dance Mission.

Through the exploration of themes of consciousness and rebirth, Folawole seeks to raise awareness about abused and battered women in his "Exposition of the Heart," a collaboration with The Women's Building (the one adorned with bold, colorful murals along 18th Street) in San Francisco's Mission District. Enter Dance Mission and be prepared for a warm greeting, including live music, a gallery of visual art, and fresh and flavorful food.

I want to share something that is not alienating but can hopefully give people, who have experienced any form of abuse, perspective that increase scope of logic and truth in any dark situationBut in addition to this pre-performance sensory experience, there's the performance itself. Folawole fashions performers and their unique talents into a thoughtful yet ambitious endeavor, and "Exposition of the Heart" delves into its subject matter from unanticipated angles: classical Indian song, a rising opera singer, live music including a violinist and a saxophonist, an Afghan dancer, modern dancers, and improvisation. In addition, representatives from the Women's Building will be on hand with information about services offered for trauma survivors and women's needs.

Folawole says, "There are many subjects in this work, one of which is inspired by domestic abuse and a specific situation that is personally resonant to me... at the same time, I want to share something that is not alienating but can hopefully give people, who have experienced any form of abuse, perspective that increase scope of logic and truth in any dark situation. Hopefully with the perspectives of many people this dark spaces may not be as mysterious or hurtful to examine but pathways for strength. It's like opening rooms of a home so air can come in and out freely... My audience are the artists in the show and the people that come to watch the show. I hope to speak to anyone. I hope this work can benefit people conscious or unconscious of the weight of abuse. Hopefully it gives us room to see this matter as something we can all grow from. I have only recently focused my heart to a friend how recently passed away. I wish to send her a message of support, strength, and pathways for sight. There is so much work to be done."

Folawole--he prefers to go by only his first name, sort of like Bjork or Moby--is an artist based in San Francisco who's been creating improvised performance art since 1993. Folawole is a recipient of the prestigious Margaret Jenkins Dance Company's CHIME grant, which includes an in-depth mentorship with a seasoned choreographer, and a 2009 Theater Bay Area/ Dancer's group Ca$h grant. A busy man, Folawole has been commissioned to create a new work for the 2010 San Francisco International Arts Festival, and the Djerassi Resident Artists Program recently awarded him a place in their 2010 residency program, which provides a retreat-like experience aimed at supporting promising artists and creative minds through a month of personal reflection and introspective investigation.

What: Folawole's "Exposition of the Heart," a world premiere collaboration with The Women's Building
When: For all evenings, audience is welcome an hour before performance for gallery viewing, music, and food. Friday, September 4, 8 pm (with an after-show reception), Saturday, September 5, 8 pm (with a post-performance conversation with Folawole), Sunday, September 6, 6 pm (childcare provided for this performance).
Where: Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th Street (@ Mission), San Francisco
Tickets: $10 in advance and $15 at the door. (Ticket prices have been reduced to half normal cost to serve people during this pressing economic time.) 415-273-4633 or online.

Photo by David Papas