In its ongoing mission to bring new performance ideas in music, movement and media to Los Angeles audiences, REDCAT presents the multi-award-winning 7NMS| Marjani Forté-Saunders + Everett Saunders on its stage this Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 21-23, 2023. Each of the three shows begins at 8:30 p.m.
“Prophet: The Order of the Lyricist” is an evening-length trio combining text, sound, film and performance. It is the recipient of several development residences and national support. Choreographer Marjani Forte-Saunders and composer Everett Saunders have woven these elements into a multi-genre storytelling project about the life journey of a lyricist, an emcee of what promotional materials describe as hip-hop’s “scholarly, civic and ancient bodies of radical Black expression.”
Following a coming-of-age tale of the character, “Mental,” this interdisciplinary narrative reveals the “courage, self-determination and devotion” of the artist. Based on a four-year archival research and rehearsal period, the production highlights the emcee’s craft, prose, oration and fearless drive to expose what’s hidden.
Both artists have been recognized in their respective fields for their outstanding creative contributions. Forté-Saunders has earned three Bessies and Saunders two New Music USA Awards. There are post-performance talks on Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23 with the 7NMS Creative Team. These are moderated by hip-hop musicologist and founder of the Apt. 5B podcast Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
LOCATION: REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., LA 90012
TICKETS: $30 https://ci.ovationtix.com/34348/production/1172616
INFO: https://www.redcat.org/events/2023/7nms
Photo by Whitney Browne