What is the WITNESS Trilogy?

WITNESS takes the audience on a journey through time and form, depicting the Black march towards equity, in three standalone sections - YESTERDAY, TODAY, and TOMORROW. However, the continuity of its design, themes, overall arch, and props - iron collars, chains, handcuffs, and bungee - and how the dancers relate to them makes the  WITNESS Trilogy:

• YESTERDAY portrays the dehumanizing brutality of slavery in America. Shackled in chains, the dancers illustrate the fierce need to flee captivity as the bungee pulls them back into bondage.

• TODAY tackles the disparity in the criminal (in)justice system and its effect on African-American families. Using the dancers’ Black bodies as a canvas, projections enhance storytelling in TODAY to confront the current racial climate. Chains hang above like dark clouds, while self produced films and computer generated images are projected onto the dancers' bodies.

• TOMORROW, with the use of customized trampolines, depicts liberated Black bodies.  We ask artists and audiences alike to envision a future that many of us do not believe is possible and plot a course to get there. During TOMORROW, we break the chains and fly.

WITNESS is a transformative work that empowers, educates, and inspires change. Through its compelling content, innovative form, and educational components, it is a catalyst for much needed conversations about racial equity in America.

Why We Need Your Help

Producing a trilogy of this magnitude requires significant resources. Your contributions will directly fund:

• Salaries: WITNESS employs mostly Black artists and technicians.

• Artist Wellness: Due to the themes and nature of WITNESS, great care is required to maintain the well-being of our artists. We work with an Intimacy Director as a key component of fostering a brave and supportive process. Additionally, we offer physical therapy to our artists.

• Set Design and Construction: Each section of WITNESS requires the creation of its own immersive and dynamic sets that ensure safety for our artists.

• Costumes and Props: Crafting and storing authentic and visually striking costumes and props.

• Rehearsal Space: Securing a dedicated space for our talented cast and crew to bring the trilogy to life.

• Marketing and Promotion: Ensuring our debut reaches a wide audience and receives the attention it deserves.

Fundraising Goals

We aim to raise $300,000 by December 31st. Here’s how your contributions will be allocated:

• Personnel & Salary: $233,500

• Artists Wellness: $13,000

• Production: $6,000

• Props & Equipment: $18,500

• Rent & Travel: $11,500

• Administrative: $9,500

• Marketing: $1,500

• Fundraising: $2,000

• Professional Services: $1,000

• Utilities: $3,500

Project Timeline

• Pre-Production: Feb 2024 - July 29 / Auditions, Casting, Scheduling, Purchasing and/or manufacturing equipment, Administrative duties, etc.

• Fundraising Period: May 28 to October 27

• Rehearsals Begin: July 29

• Theater Load In: Oct 14

• Previews: Oct 25

• Debut Showings: Oct 26

• Tour: TBD

Risks and Challenges

For nearly 10 years, our team has poured passion, dedication, and countless hours into developing the WITNESS Trilogy. This project is the culmination of a decade of hard work, creativity, and overcoming numerous obstacles. The only true risk we face now is not reaching our fundraising goal.

As a marginalized group striving to empower ourselves and our community through art, we have meticulously planned this fundraiser with contingencies to address any challenges that may arise. We've navigated logistical issues, budget constraints, and scheduling conflicts before, and we are prepared to do so again. Your support is crucial in ensuring the WITNESS Trilogy reaches its full potential and debuts at this iconic NYC venue. Together, we can overcome the final hurdle and bring this powerful story to life.

Photo by Ida R. Sandness

Photo by João Menegussi

Call to Action

Join us in celebrating 10 years of groundbreaking work!  Your support is crucial in bringing the WITNESS Trilogy to life. Click the "Donate Now” button and be part of this transformative experience.

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Champion this journey by helping! Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Use the hashtag #WITNESSTrilogyNYC to join the conversation.