At the age of five, Walter Littlemoon (Lakota) was removed from his family to attend a federal government boarding school where his culture, language and spirituality were suppressed. Embark on Walter's journey to heal himself and his community while reclaiming his heritage.
Capital City Symphony’s 52nd season is a celebration of the outdoors as expressed through the joy of music. Our season opens with Copland’s bright, optimistic work, An Outdoor Overture.
Sofia Viola takes the stage embracing her guitar and her charangón and performs her songs which drift from tango to vibrations of the Andes, from milonga to happy cumbia, from rock to vallenato, and from chamamé to blues, in a show that is pure interpretative power.
Join the Culture Queen as she does “The Locomotion” on a journey through the swinging ’60s. This energetic show introduces young audiences to the music of Dance Hall kings and queens like Chubby Checker, Little Richard, Little Eva, and Dee Dee Sharp. She’ll teach your royal children the hottest dances of the era like “The Twist”, “The Mashed Potato”, “The Bird” and many more through music and storytelling.
Jazz vocalist and DC-native Akua Allrich returns to the Atlas with a tribute to two powerhouse singers, Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba.
"The Role of Black Women, Arts and Activism" – an exploration and discussion about the work of black women of African descent from around the world that utilize the arts as a tool of global activism; and how the influence and leadership of heroines such as Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba have inspired and continue to inspire them.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Café Flamenco. This popular, cabaret-style event features traditional flamenco dance and live music performed by dancers from Furia Flamenca Dance Company and guitarist Torcuato Zamora.
Meet a quintet of string-playing members of the symphony orchestra through this engaging, educational and intimate program for young people. Learn about the music they play and hear the beautiful sounds come to life. Then, join us for an instrument petting zoo to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close!
Breaking Ground is a Summer theatre organization for LGBTQIA+ identified youth and young adults in the DC metro area. These brave individuals develop a musical theatre production based on their real authentic complex and unique life experiences being of this population. They have been able to persevere through experiences such a coming out, living with HIV, transphobia, sexual abuse, mental health challenges, and racism. Their strength has allowed them to be revolutionary, and break ground in their communities.
Come join the Atlas family at this year's H Street Festival on September 21, 2019!
The film follows Iraqi and Afghan interpreters who worked with U.S. forces, and who are now targeted by insurgents as a result. While some have reached safety, others are stuck in hiding—and those with no other hope have set out for Europe and the U.S. with the help of smugglers. Presented with closed captioning.
In 1932, a journalism student from Howard University witnesses the struggles of The Bonus Army, a group of 43,000 diverse marchers including almost 20,000 U.S. World War I veterans and their families, who demand the payment of their war bonuses. Squatting along the shores of the Anacostia River, they would fight to survive Depression-era America as well as the violent encroachment of Douglas MacArthur, George S. Patton, and the U.S. Army at the direction of President Herbert Hoover.
Art All Night on H, it is a Feast for the Senses – Prepare to listen, engage, emote, explore & immerse!
In this play by Russian/Austrian writer Julya Rabinowich, three characters live in captivity, invisible to the world: a female refugee hiding underground, fearing deportation, and traumatized by her journey across cultures; a kidnap victim locked in a basement at the mercy of her perpetrator, and a young man imprisoned in his own home due to the threat of blood-revenge against his family.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Genius Award recipient Lynn Nottage’s satirical tale that follows successful African-American publicist Undine, as she stumbles down the social ladder after her husband steals her hard-earned fortune.
As a group of DC youth prepare to protest the killing of one of their own, they begin to realize that their fight for justice needs to cover way more ground than they initially intended.
Momentum & Friends is a fun evening of jazz, ballet, contemporary and heels dance and vocal and instrumental music.
One wild challenge. Thirty artist brains. Eight days to solve it. Under the aesthetic mentorship of different theatre companies, each team of director, playwright and actors will have just one week to create, develop and stage a performance based on that work of art.
This powerful one-man show, based on the life of '70s soul singer and composer Donny Hathaway, imagines the troubled and brilliant musician's last day on Earth in an immersive and crushing play about Hathaway's compelling inner struggle. Torn between the muses that inspire him and the mental illness that torments him, Hathaway evaluates the choices in his life in a gripping performance by Kelvin Roston, Jr.
Join local award-winning jazz pianist and vocalist, Mark G. Meadows, as he creates a unifying sound with his band, The Movement. The son of a gospel and jazz vocalist, Meadows combines jazz, R&B, hip-hop, funk, and gospel into a harmonic blend that is fresh and exciting.
Elliott Hughes and Brad Linde’s BIG OL’ celebrates the CD release of their live album recorded at the Atlas Performing Arts Center during the 2015 DC Jazz Festival. The band features stellar musicians from New York, Washington DC, and Toronto, bringing to life the compositions of Australian composer Hughes.
Arturo Ui is a tale of the meteoric rise of a small-time Brooklyn hoodlum who takes over the Cauliflower racket in 1930’s Chicago. Ui ruthlessly disposes of his competitors to enrich himself and gain power.
In her salon-style presentation Dr. Petty discusses the filmmaking legacy of Camille Billops and James Hatch. This event kicks off a joint programming relationship between Millennium Arts Salon and The Atlas Performing Arts Center. The evening includes a screening of the award-winning Hatch–Billops film Finding Christa and clips of another award winner, Suzanne, Suzanne. Reception to follow.
Discover the beauty and lightness-of-being of Baroque opera with Handel’s heartful and lyrical Serse, composed just three years before his famed Messiah.
Dos Almas. Two souls. Through dance and music, Ritmo Flamenco explores the dialogue between humans in an attempt to move towards greater freedom.
They’re right on the edge, the cusp, trying not to get swallowed up. Struggling to get out from under the pain, pressure, and stress of abusive relationships, mental health issues, the fear of not being accepted by God, absent parents, foster care, self-doubt and self-isolation. They can see the light and are racing to get to it, before it goes out.... before this thing breaks them. Before this Breaks Me is an original, cast devised theater piece based on the lives and experiences of the City at Peace cast members.
NFT Dance & Company will present three new works intimately woven in contemporary dance and inspired by the classical literary beginning, “It was a dark and stormy night … “ Dreamy, fantastical and romantic, literary figures depict our psychic fascination with things that go bump in the night and the macabre. Recommended for patrons age 13+.
When teenage daughter Lexie helps her reluctant single mother Nora re-enter the dating scene, an unlikely suitor emerges in Griff – the guy at the coffee shop who inadvertently witnesses Nora’s string of unsuccessful dates. As choices collide with coincidences and longing mixes with reality, each character must face the complications that always arise in the search for intimacy and the closeness of family. This captivating world premiere with a metaphysical twist navigates the paths of romance, marriage and parenting while exploring the pains and pleasures of all three.
A subversive romantic comedy about the real-life subculture of people who believe that they're vampires and the IRS agent who audits them.
A musical ode to the beauty of our planet and beyond, featurigb a multi-media presentation of Gustav Holst’s famous orchestral work, The Planets, featuring video projections from NASA.
"Sounds of Silence" -- Atlas Performing Arts Center Silent Film series with live musical accompaniment. Featuring Andrew Earle Simpson, Series curator and pianist. Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" (1921) with a wine and cheese reception at 7:00 PM and a film screening with live musical accompaniment at 8:00 PM.
"Donald Trump’s ultimate nightmare – a Mexican lesbian diva who can wring your very soul." – Jonathan Romney, The Guardian
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, guides Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers in an interactive journey to a magical place of play.
Annie Jump is a teenage science genius living in a small town. One night, a meteor falls and Annie meets Althea...
With support from a 2015 French-American Jazz Exchange grant, Aaron joined creative forces with percussionist Leon Parker to expand the sonic, communicative and expressive possibilities of the piano trio setting to include a significant role for Body Percussion and Body Rhythm techniques, both in place of and in addition to traditional drum set. This creative exploration has resulted in new works and a new trio recording released in 2018.
Set in the legendary Parisian café Les Deux Magots in 1953, Les Deux Noirs: Notes on Notes of A Native Son re-imagines the meeting between Native Son author Richard Wright and essayist/activist James Baldwin. It explores the tension between Baldwin’s searing critiques of Native Son and Wright’s unbridled indignation in response—a confrontation between two mighty African-American artists, with echoes of a present-day rap battle.
Experience the frenzy, the craziness, and the daring exploits and rule-breaking joy of classic silent comedies, seen with live musical accompaniment.... original, lively jazz-infused scores by Atlas resident curator and musician, Andrew Earle Simpson, plus a special guest jazz ensemble.
The Atlas welcomes back the Herb Scott Quartet for an evening of jazz, celebrating the release of "At the Jazz Show", the latest album from DC jazz original, Herb Scott. Herb Scott - Saxophone, vocals Piano - Janelle Gill Bass- Michael Bowie Percussion- Quincy Phillips
Don’t miss a riveting trio of short plays by Ireland’s theatrical giant and Nobel Prize winner, Samuel Beckett. “Beckett Trio, Part 2” features several spellbinding classics by the architect of the absurd. His brazen form of black comedy soars as we explore his themes of resistance with DC’s top actors.
Brad Linde's DIX OUT celebrates the release of its debut album, "There'll Be SOME Changes Made", featuring songs from the 1920's jazz repertoire. The album features spontaneous arrangements of classics and includes trumpeter/vocalist Tara Kannangara on the front line.
Enjoy four short and potent plays by the master of modernism, London’s Harold Pinter. Political, at times, Pinter and director McNamara will provoke your brain and stoke your emotions as we portray terror and its consequences. Don’t miss this riveting show!
Born from site-specific explorations focused on cultivating delight for the unsuspecting passersby, Contradiction Dance Theatre’s merry band of collaborating artists brings you a spellbinding collection of dance theater works.
Richard Wright's iconic novel about oppression, freedom, and justice comes to life on stage in this ground-breaking adaptation.
On a warm spring day, the friendly tune of the ice cream truck might be just what you need. But when one particular ice cream truck starts to fall apart, the drivers have to fix it before everything starts to melt! Come help us figure out how to fix up this ice cream truck where nothing goes right!
See two documentary films, which track the progress of women in America from the Second Wave movement in 1920 to the Tidal Wave of a Women's movement we're seeing today. Post-show panel discussion with Pam Maus, film director, and special guests Ellie Espling, Kodiak Hill-Davis, and Cynthia Richie-Terrell, will follow the film screenings.
CapitalBop is thrilled to be working in partnership with the Washington Women in Jazz Festival to present Bley here with her long-standing trio, featuring bassist Steve Swallow and saxophonist Andy Sheppard.
Capital City Symphony continues its tradition of presenting outstanding young classical solo artists through the Great Masters, Young Stars Series.
The show will feature a variety of styles from tap, jazz, and hip-hop to modern, contemporary, and musical theater, “Dance in the Face Of" is a powerful commentary on the ever-growing importance to acknowledge and embrace each other in today’s world.
Straight from Ireland, Solas Nua is proud to present the Olivier Award winning production of Silent, written and performed by acclaimed Irish actor, Pat Kinevane.
Utilizing various mediums that play with the ear, tap dance is heard through leather-soled shoes, metal taps, bare feet, body music, and sand dancing in this exploration of the art as percussion.
Part of the Washington Post Free Cafe Concert Series
This is a poetic journey on how poets and song writers have been in the forefront, describing the world around them.
Participants will be introduced to the devising process of creating and sequencing multi-operator puppet movements. No experience needed.
Part of the Free Washington Post Cafe Concert Series
Fluid is an evening work inspired by physical theater, Afro-modern dance, presented through contemporary ballet. Fluid is performed to the music of Ezio Bosso and is centered around a cast of strangers, examining human emotion through the life trials of trust, lost, betrayal and love.
See Dissonance Dance Theatre as they work through Technical Dress Rehearsal! This is a special behind-the-scene experience you don't want to miss!
Ancient Rhythms Dance Company presents a rich offering of gypsy lore, expressed through dance and music that conveys the proud resilience of the Roma people.
The show features flamenco dance, music, and song alongside Indian Kathak and Mexican Folkloriko, bringing together three world and percussive dances for an evening of Flamenco y Más (more).
City at Peace, the Atlas youth development, arts and social change program with a special guest performance by Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's GenOUT Youth Chorus.
This devised Hip-Hop theatre piece features original rap, poetry and drama from the Griot Girls of FRESHH Inc.
Voices of Now (VON) is a drama and writing program run by Arena Stage, one of the oldest and largest regional theaters in the country.
DSI Youth Theatre Program will be a collaboration with Paul Public Charter School and the Kennedy Center to create an original theater piece.
Take your family on an interactive journey through Duke Ellington’s DC! From U Street and the Howard Theatre to Anacostia — Kids groove along with singers and a live jazz trio to discover how a local hero influenced the Harlem Renaissance, helped shape the cultural history of D.C., and became an international star.
“Instastory” explores how youth discover identity and purpose in a society obsessed with "likes" and "followers". During this full length showcase, students will share personal stories of struggle and triumph which reveal that the most defining "like" is the one they give themselves.
In Dress Up Day: The Musical, a spunky first-grader and her classmates explore their individuality in order to find the perfect costume for their school dress up day. Best for ages 4-10.
Charenee’s current album, Offering: The Music of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, is a powerful re-interpretation of the poet’s musical library. Jazz Wise Magazine has called the album “an emotional engagement with the material that renders every word believable.” Wade gives ample evidence on this remarkable recording to why she is one of the most exciting, distinctive and bold musical talents on the rise today.
“WHO LET THE DOGS OUT,” by Swedish Choreographer Lidia Wos is a provocative look as social order and disorder. "ALMA" by Israeli choreographer Rachel Erdos is a metaphor for knowledge and desire.
Join Project Locréa for a unique sound experience from musical traditions around the world.
Experience a powerful evening of dance by 3 dynamic, local, and visionary artists; Therese Gahl, Truly Bennett, and Marie McNair.
Part of the Washington Post Free Cafe Concert Series
Each one of us holds a unique story on how we crossed paths with bomba. Join us as we perform Puerto Rican bomba… then write your own story.
The Adventures of Prince Achmed (German: Die Abenteuer des Prinzen Achmed) is a 1926 German animated fairytale film by Lotte Reiniger. It is the oldest surviving animated feature film. The silent film will be screened with live, original music by Andrew Earle Simpson.
Enjoy a potpourri of dances with authentic cultural roots, incorporating modern aesthetics, conveying a message that the best values of traditional cultures can blend in today's world with concepts of freedom, equality, and self-actualization.
In DEVIATED THEATRE’s original dance opera ‘Beyond’, Luna the Astronaut discovers that getting lost (on Mars) is part of getting found. Photo: Enoch Chan
Individuals describe career, racial, gender or ethnic barriers. The sound score incorporates first-person interviews with some new to this country, TASSC clients (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition), and Americans marginalized by circumstance.
Grand Saline, Texas, a town east of Dallas, has a history of racism, a history the community doesn’t talk about. This shroud of secrecy ended when one man self-immolated to protest their racism in 2014, shining a spotlight on the town’s dark past. Man on Fire untangles the pieces of this protest and questions the racism in Grand Saline today.
Come and have a unique cultural experience with GDC Artistic Director, Shu-Chen Cuff’s work ‘We, The Moon, The Sun’ - an Asian culturally influenced work combining Chinese Opera movements and modern dance and ‘200 Feet’ inspired by author Jack Canfield\'s teachings.
Part of the free Washington Post Cafe Concert Series
Children interact with the performers - singing, playing, dancing, exploring different rhythms, and interact with the use of props, costumes and instruments. Best for ages 1-5.
2 Beat Boxing Dads making music and songs the whole family can enjoy! Best for ages 0-8.
Creation Station: People of all ages can stop by a do a kid friendly craft for our community art installation, led by the craft instructors at Makeshift.
Adventures in Arden, an interactive puppet show based on Shakespeare’s As You Like It, includes live and recorded music and a workshop that encourages imagination. Best for ages 4-10.
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take your little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in this unforgettable live theatre experience. Reimagined for this 10th anniversary performance, this audience favorite is sure to delight and inspire. Best for ages 1-5.
Nigerian vocalist and songwriter TolumiDE compliments soul music with her African heritage exploring themes of life, love and inspiration using bilingual lyrics and dynamic rhythms.
Ney Mello and Elizabeth Louie will engage the audience in an engaging interactive performance on guitar and piano, where they will improvise music with audience participation and demystify the art of improvisation.
Moving Dialogues is a methodology designed to support awareness, change, reflection, and refinement processes within individuals, communities and organizations.
GLACIER: A Climate Change Ballet, directed by DC-based climate change policy expert and dance professional Diana Movius.
Light bites & sips pre-show + our Cultural DC Arts Engage event kick off this Signature Event of the Intersections Festival! Presented by the Washington Post. RSVP!
The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engaged artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. We are interested in unique perspectives and art that connects us to the many facets of our humanity.
A musical by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin) that looks at the working lives of everyday people revealing their hopes and dreams, performed for the first time with nontraditional gender roles.
Songs function as tiny stories: told from the perspective of a fictional character, with feelings or events that often change from the beginning to the end of the song.
A blistering documentary portrait of the challenges facing Israelis and Palestinians who decide to work together against formidable opposition.
Meet a section of the symphony orchestra through this engaging, educational and intimate program for young people.
Based on Michel Houellebecq’s best-selling novel in France, Germany, and Italy, it will engage and provoke your mind and heart.
Spontaneous. Unpredictable. Joyous. Washington Improv Theater brings three weeks of supremely creative improv programming to Atlas in this special Road Show production.
17-piece big band founded by baritone saxophonist Brad Linde. Music from Ellington, Basie, Strayhorn, Thad Jones, Oliver Nelson, Maria Schneider and originals by band members embrace and challenge the tradition of big band repertoire.
In this witty and touching play, a psychotherapist named Ella, single mother of an autistic child, gets a visit from a new and desperate patient: God.
