On August 2nd, 2024, The Ford theater transformed into a vessel for profound storytelling as “The Just and the Blind” premiered to a captivated audience. Conceived and written by spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, with an original score by composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, the multimedia performance seamlessly fused poetry, music, dance, and projections to shed light on the often overlooked and unheard experiences of incarcerated youth and their families.
The production was a masterclass in artistic execution and emotional resonance. From the moment the show began, the vibrant contrast of color palettes on the set immediately set a dynamic tone. The visual design alone prepared the audience for the rich emotional experience that was to follow.
Drew Dollaz’s dance performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Despite bringing street dance to a theatrical stage, his movements were fluid and seamless, capturing deep emotion and drawing the audience into the narrative. His ability to merge different dance forms effortlessly was a highlight of the evening. “His movements were fluid, seamless, and pulled emotion,” one observer noted, highlighting the grace and impact of his performance.
Nia Andrews’s soulful voice transported the audience to the historical struggles of Black America. Each note she sang was imbued with a profound sense of history and emotion, resonating powerfully with everyone present. “Her careful notes moved the audience. It was stirring,” remarked another attendee, capturing the essence of her powerful vocal performance.
Daniel Bernard Roumain’s musicianship was another highlight. His subtlety and precision on the 4-string violin, enhanced by stage-controlled sound effects, were nothing short of astonishing. As he transitioned to a 6-string violin, the instrument’s electric unbelievable guitar distortion and Roumain’s shredding abilities was transformative, further deepening the performance’s emotional impact. Roumain’s versatility shone through as he also played the grand piano, adding layers to the musical experience.
Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s spoken word performance was the heart of the narrative. His cadence and prose guided the audience through the complexities of being a Black man and father in America, each word carefully chosen to provoke thought and empathy. The interplay between Joseph and Dollaz was an intoxicating blend of visual and auditory art, while his collaboration with Roumain added another dimension of brilliance. “The poet/orator had a cadence in his prose that guided us through this interesting journey about being a Black man, Black father of a Black child in America,” one audience member reflected, underscoring the profound impact of Joseph’s words.
The staging, with its encompassing video projections, effectively represented the subject matter, making the performance not just a show but an immersive experience. The integration of multimedia elements created a powerful backdrop that enhanced the storytelling. “The wall that surrounded the stage had video that represented the subject matter. I frankly had never seen anything like this,” remarked a viewer, highlighting the innovative use of multimedia in the production.
Following the performance, a Q&A session provided deeper insight into the creative process and the impact of the work. Marc Bamuthi Joseph spoke about the role of artists in society, emphasizing the importance of inspiration and creativity in stabilizing democracy. “Inspiration is infrastructure the same way that rules are infrastructure,” he noted. “If you don’t have access to the impulse of creativity, then you don’t have access to the franchise.”
Daniel Bernard Roumain discussed the collaborative nature of the production and the curriculum developed alongside it, titled “A Wall.” He explained, “There’s a node that is just about fear. There’s a node about Americanness. There’s a node about liberation. Participants worked with a filmmaker, and there was a bunch of media that was put together and filmed at all levels.”
Drew Dollaz reflected on his journey as a dancer, aiming to merge urban dance with traditional styles. “I always wanted to bridge the gap between street dance and classical,” he shared. “Ultimately, being able to figure out a way to give our work to be appealed on stage, but at the same time, still keep the essence in the work.”
In essence, “The Just and the Blind” was a superbly crafted and deeply impactful performance. The synergy among the four cast members and collaborators created a profound richness. It was an unforgettable experience, leaving the audience with a resonant message that lingered long after the final applause.
About:
“The Just and the Blind” delves into the overlooked stories of incarcerated youth and their families, humanizing Black and Brown children caught in the system. Presented as a short film series and a multimedia performance, it blends poetry, music, movement, and visuals, forming a curriculum for fathers and sons divided by prison walls.
Conceived and written by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, with an original score by Daniel Bernard Roumain, and directed by Michael John Garcés, it addresses racial profiling, sentencing, and the prison-industrial complex from the perspective of fathers. Commissioned by Carnegie Hall and showcased at the 2019 Create Justice Forum, it was produced by SOZO with Ford Foundation support and special thanks to Miami Light Project. “The Just and the Blind” fosters understanding and empathy by highlighting these unique voices.