About

There are two theories at the heart of this work:

  • Theory #1 – Sameness does not exist;
  • Theory #2 – Sameness does exist.

Shannon Murphy and jumatatu m. poe question union and unity as they journey through a landscape of shifting energies, shifting relationships to one another. Even when it is a game, it is serious. In this duet, earnestness is a tool to negotiate the reality of each moment, and its distinction from any other moment. The performers tap into divergent worlds, from vaudeville to musical theater to lecture/demonstration to focused movement improvisation. They are on an adrenaline roller coaster, complete with rises and falls, and the audience is along for the rapidly shifting ride.

Production History

2013 – Presented in Koresh Dance Company’s Come Together Festival. Suzanne Roberts Theater. Philadelphia.
2013 – Presented as part of Conversations with the Collection, Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia

Project Credits

created and performed by Shannon Murphy and Jumatatu Poe<
garments by Katie Coble
music by Blind Willie McTell and Tune-Yards

Funding Credits and Thank Yous

This work was commissioned by the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh, PA, and has been supported through a NewEdge Residency from Philadelphia’s Community Education Center.