MOTheR, a new work by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, centers on a family who uses the power of dance to elevate their existence. Mother and her four sisters serve as protectors of their family, orchestrating movement of the natural world to transport them to sovereignty. They are magical agents of change who use their individual and collective powers to lead their family on a journey that is both worldly and ethereal. This production encompasses alchemy, robust original sound, vibrant imagery inspired by the cultural aesthetic of Afrofuturism, and movement vocabulary that blends cultural and contemporary dance, to tell the story of five women who will stop at nothing to protect the prosperity of their children. 

“Those of us who nurture the lives of children who are not supposed to exist, who are not supposed to grow up, who are revolutionary in their very beings are doing some of the most subversive work in the world.”  

—Alexis Pauline Gumbs, activist, poet, scholar  

“This work is inspired by the strength and power of the women in my family. I refer to my mother and her sisters as super”she”roes — my original figures of inspiration and wonder. I’ve developed the narrative from the perspective of my younger self, though I still look up to them all in constant awe of their strength and resilience.” —Kirven Douthit-Boyd, choreographer 

The Creative Team for MOTheR includes well-known St. Louis creatives: Axi:Ome (scenic design), Lamar Harris (original music composition), Brandin Vaughn (costumes), Maureen Berry (lighting), and Kareem Deanes (projections).

Run Time: 60 minutes; 15-minute intermission  

Special thanks to our 2023–2024 COCApresents Season Presenting Sponsor Mary Strauss and Supporting Sponsor Mercy. Additional support of MOTheR provided by Caryl Sunshine.