On January 21, Isaiah Collier premiered his groundbreaking 13-movement suite, The Story of 400 Years, on Bandcamp Live.
This powerful production explored 400 years of Black American history, illustrating its evolution from the painful era of slavery into today’s ongoing fight for equality. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the performance created an immersive experience, honoring the rich legacy of African Americans while challenging how America remembers its complex racial history.
“The Story of 400 Years sounded like a powerful and evocative project. By blending sonic, visual, and spiritual elements, it seemed poised to explore the depth of America’s narrative, especially regarding the complex history of enslavement. Acknowledging this painful past while also envisioning a future free from its constraints is a vital endeavor.”
– Isaiah Collier
Originally performed live at The DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago last December, the suite featured a 14-piece ensemble alongside six dancers. Each of its 13 movements focused on pivotal moments in African American history, a number chosen in reference to the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Furthermore, along with his beautiful composition, Collier’s emotionally charged saxophone performance raised the suite to another level.
Musical and Emotional Connection
This journey began with reflections on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. It explored themes of African American dehumanization, the “Uncle Tom” concept, and Nat Turner’s rebellion. The performance highlighted the pain of forced labor and the aftermath of the Civil War. It also addressed opportunities created by the Great Migration. The suite continued with the origins of jazz, the traumas of segregation, and the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. It covered the crack cocaine epidemic and evolving African American identities.
By blending various genres and eras, the performance skillfully incorporated gospel, jazz, and funk influences, showcasing the enduring impact of Black American music on America’s collective memory. Collier added a personal touch by streaming the event live and actively engaging through the message feed. He shared his thought process, described each movement, and responded to viewers directly.
Choreographed by Kennedy Banks-Battle, six dancers brought the music to life. An impactful moment occurred during the movement 3/5ths of a Man. In this movement, a dancer conveyed the psychological toll of having one’s identity reduced to a fraction. Experiencing the pain through the dancer was heartbreaking.
Reflection and Growth
The final movement, Revelations: Listen, Heal, Honor, and Grow, served as a call to action. This piece encouraged reflection, healing and growth, emphasizing the importance of confronting pain and making progress to move forward.
Isaiah Collier’s The Story of 400 Years was a powerful tribute to African American history, blending sound, movement, and storytelling.
To learn more about Collier and his work visit his website here.
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