E82. Dancing Through the Archive with the Legendary George Faison

Today, we have a very special interview with the legendary choreographer and producer, George Faison. In this conversation, George takes us on a journey through his remarkable life, from his early days in Washington, D.C., to his experiences dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and mostly, and his iconic role as the choreographer of the "The Wiz" on Broadway. For which he won a Tony. Becoming the first Black person to do so.

George shares stories of his encounters with great artists like Maya Angelou and Stevie Wonder and the incredible impact they had on his life. But perhaps the most captivating part of this interview is George's vivid description of creating the Emerald City sequence in "The Wiz." He also shares the role books play in his creative process. For George, it all begins with the archive.

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Things Mentioned

Maya Angelou - an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist.

The Wiz - The musical version of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"

Dick Gregory - an American comedian, actor, writer, activist and social critic.

Gazelle - George Faison ballet - Dedicated to the Free Spirit in All of Us.

1967 Detroit riot - The 1967 Detroit Riots were among the most violent and destructive riots in U.S. history.

Alvin Ailey - American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist. 

American Light Opera Company - semi-professional theatre company performing light operas and musicals in Washington, D.C. from 1960 to 1968.

Suite Otis - Otis Redding's sassy, sizzling music sets the stage for George Faison's playful battle of the sexes.

What to Read

All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes - Maya Angelou

Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin

The Color Purple - Alice Walker

The Incredible Lightness of Being - Camie J. Davis

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration - Isabel Wilkerson

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison

What to listen to

Take My Hand, Precious Lord – Mahalia Jackson

Someday We'll All Be Free – Donny Hathaway

Where Is The Love– Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway

Stand By Me - Otis Redding

The Wiz - Original Movie Soundtrack - (1978) Various Artists

Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

Who to follow

Website: https://www.faisonfirehouse.org/

IG: George Faison (@therealgeorgefaison)

TW: George Faison (@GeorgeFaison) / X

This conversation was recorded on August 15, 2023.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer:  K.T. Thompson

Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst:  Noa Lesche

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer:  Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.