Alvin Ailey's World Premier of Rennie Harris' "Lazarus Act I and ACT II" a Miraculous Work of Driving Force

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater had its world premier of Rennie Harris' "Lazarus Act I and Act II."  Mr. Harris is Ailey's artist-in-residence for 2018-19.  At the request of Ailey's Artistic Dir. Mr. Robert Battle, Mr. Harris was asked to create a work commemorating Alvin Ailey's legacy for this year's 60th Anniversary celebration.   Lazarus is a term used in science & popular culture meaning the restoration to life.  Harris' ingenious & potent "Lazarus" in 2 acts is nothing short of miraculous.  Act I creates a nightmarish aesthetic that pays homage to African American history built on the barbarity of slavery, lynching and persecution.  The omnipotent Ailey dancers moved in long-drawn-out movements that suspended the natural order of time.  "Lazarus Act I" confronts us with unflinching & traumatic images of lynchings.  It was agonizing to watch slowly twirling corpses being carried down.  The pain of grieving mourners was visceral.  Towards the end of Act I dancers laid prone while arms flaggingly waved upwards.  A lone dancer trudged over their bodies gazing forward.  At intermission the audience was left stunned by the forthright depiction of the brutal legacy of slavery & oppression.  "Lazarus Act II" was a major turn about with vivacious energy & an effervescent vibe.  The dancers wore modern African inspired costumes.  The hip hop choreography, the dancers' incredulous movements & musicality was uplifting and life affirming. The brilliant music & sound by Darrin Ross formed the underlying backbone to Harris' composition.  Although the audience was moved to clapping & cheering in "Lazarus Act II" there was the looped refrain "I'm a black man in a white man's world."  It was the joy & beauty inherent in life in Act II accompanying the ruination of past generations poignantly portrayed in Act I that rendered tears of acknowledgement and tugged heartstrings.  To live in a society where racist rhetoric & brutality is normalized is intolerable.  This phenomenal collaborative creative work blends music, Harris' choreography, Ailey dancers and historic & social storytelling in a momentous tribute & plea for humanity.  The Pulitzer Prize awarded in drama, music and poetry should be bestowed on Mr. Harris & Mr. Battle for inspiring the best within ourselves and for uniting us in harmony.   At 60, the Ailey Dance Co. has continued to stand & flourish on Alvin's gargantuan shoulders. "Dance is for everybody.  I believe that dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people."  "I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and that color is not important."  (AA)