The Quilombo Experience: A Community Residency with Luana Dias David
Developmental Residency | April 22–26
Workshop | April 26 from 1-1:45pm
Invited Showing | April 26 from 2-3pm
The Quilombo Experience, by choreographer and visionary Luana Dias David, is a thoughtful exploration of resilience and unity, grounded in the rich cultural heritage of Brazil. Through meticulously crafted costumes, traditional dances, and live music, the project draws inspiration from the historical Quilombos—“In the seventeenth century in Brazil, enslaved Africans who fled captivity and the abjection of slavery found themselves in communities called Quilombo. They joined indigenous peoples and Europeans abolitionists allies to form free republics whose goal was never to experience servitude again.”
Rooted in the belief that true strength lies in embracing and celebrating our differences, this work bridges the dances and traditions of Indigenous and Afro-descended ancestors with contemporary interpretations. It reflects the evolution of culture while honoring the collective spirit that connects us all, offering a profound reflection on the beauty of diversity and transformation.
An embodiment of this concept is samba, a dance and music form deeply rooted in the intercultural relationship between enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples. Samba originated as a powerful expression of resilience and joy, blending rhythms, dances, and traditions from these communities. Over generations, this fusion blossomed into the grand celebration of Brazilian Carnaval—the world’s largest cultural showcase. While the tradition of Carnaval itself was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese colonizers, it evolved into something uniquely Brazilian, incorporating the powerful Rhythm and Dance of Samba. Today, Carnaval reflects the spirit of freedom, unity, and cultural pride, an enduring legacy of the Quilombos and Brazil’s rich, interconnected history.
Free Movement & Rhythm Workshop
Saturday, April 26 from 1-1:45pm
Join us for a vibrant and immersive 45-minute workshop that invites participants to embody the spirit of The Quilombo Experience through three essential Brazilian tradition forms: Capoeira, Samba de Roda, Samba Reggae.
Rooted in the cultural legacy of Brazil’s Quilombos, this workshop offers a journey through rhythm, resistance, and celebration. Participants will be guided through the unique movement language and energy of each style, beginning with an introduction to the rhythm, learning foundational steps, and culminating in a joyful, communal exploration of expression and freedom.
Open to all levels and backgrounds, this session is about connecting to the heartbeat of culture—through the body, the music, and the collective joy of dance.
No experience required. Come ready to move, learn, and celebrate together!
Want to attend the workshop or public showing? Please pre-register below.
Jacob’s Pillow is committed to creating accessible spaces and experiences. Please contact [email protected] or call 413.243.9919 ext. 074 with accessibility questions or accommodation requests.
Eiko Otake
Thursday, July 10 – Friday, July 11 | Doris Duke Theatre Grounds
Interdisciplinary artist Eiko Otake will give a world-premiere site-specific performance, titled Shadows and Stones, which will take audiences around the site of the new Doris Duke Theatre, grounding us in all that came before. Tickets are $45, and are now available. Arrive at the Jameson Family Lobby of the Doris Duke Theatre 30 minutes in advance of the performance to enjoy a free Pre-Show Talk about the artist’s work.
Eiko Otake came to the Pillow with her partner Koma for the first time in 1993, soon after the original Doris Duke Theatre was built. She has returned many times since, including in 2017 when she created a solo, A Body at the Pillow, that took audiences across the campus, from boulder to boulder. In 2020, a month after the original Duke burned to the ground, Eiko returned to crawl in the snow over the fallen beams to create the short film rock is broken (2021). Her body holds over three decades of Pillow history on the site, and her performance will evoke the power of memory and resilience.
HopeBoykinDance
Saturday, August 23 at 5:30pm | Henry J. Leir Stage
Pillow Debut
Jacob’s Pillow is honored to present two-time Bessie Award-winning choreographer, writer, director, and filmmaker Hope Boykin in her highly anticipated Pillow debut, with HopeBoykinDance. An acclaimed former member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, PHILADANCO!, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Boykin brings a compelling collaboration of contemporary-modern movement, spoken word, and storytelling to the stage.
Known for her deeply expressive movement-language, Boykin has most recently created new works for Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has presented HopeBoykinDance at The Joyce Theater, 92NY, and The Kennedy Center, where she reimagined Jacqueline Woodson’s The Other Side and choreographed the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS. Her deep history as a 20-year Ailey company member and commissioned choreographer complements the week-long run of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the Ted Shawn Theatre.
Community Day
Featuring Artists of the Berkshires
Friday, August 15
2:30-5:30pm | Community Day | Pillow Grounds
Everyone is invited to this free, kid-friendly, all-ages Friday afternoon, featuring movement classes as well as dance-themed children’s activities and tours. Check back soon as events are confirmed.
5:30pm | Artists of the Berkshires | Henry J. Leir Stage
The outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage hosts selected Berkshire-region artists for a special one-day-only performance. Tickets to this performance and all Community Day programs are free.
The open call for performing artists is now live—click here to apply and learn more.
Applications are due by Friday, May 30 at 11:59pm ET. Eligibility is limited to dancers or companies based in the Berkshires and nearby counties in MA, NY, and CT.
Lead support for Community Day is provided by Berkshire Health Systems.
