Muntu Dance Theatre
Founded in 1972, the Chicago-based Muntu Dance Theatre performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African-American dance, music, and folklore. Muntu Dance Theatre celebrates the human spirit through traditional and social African and African-American dance. Muntu’s exuberant performances pulsate with the rhythms of the African Diaspora, whether from Senegal, South Africa, Guinea, Brazil or Chicago. Muntu offers a repertory that ranges from ritual dances as they were performed centuries ago to contemporary and traditionally inspired dances choreographed by Artistic Director Regina Perry-Carr and renowned guest choreographers from the West African countries of Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea.
Opening Act: Vernon Gooden
Vernon D. Gooden, a Dallas, Texas native, is an emerging choreographer, performer, and teacher now residing in Chicago, IL. Mr. Gooden began dancing at the age of 11 and is a 2001 graduate of the acclaimed Booker T. Washington High School for The Performing Visual Arts. Mr. Gooden later trained at The Juilliard School under the direction of the late Benjamin Harkarvy and Larry Rhodes. He has performed works of noted choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Katherine Dunham, Donald McKayle, Bill T. Jones, Milton Myers, Cleo Parker Robinson, Nai-Ni Chen, Adam Houghland, Ronald K. Brown, Jessica Lang, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff, and Winifred Haun.
Tickets range from $20 – $39 based on seating assignment. UTRF members receive $5 off their tickets, limited student seating is $10.