Movement with a Meaning
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
"Movement With A Meaning" is an intimate, behind the scenes, documentary look at the at Los Angeles' Lula Washington Dance Theatre -- the leading African American dance company West of the Mississippi - and their staging of a ballet piece based on a Paul Laurence Dunbar poem "We Wear the Mask," a stinging indictment of the Stepin Fetchit roles African Americans were forced to play in order to "get by"in early 20th century America.
Known worldwide through their international performances, everything Lula Washington and her company stands for comes together in their production of "We Wore the Mask." The film features Lula Washington both bringing her love for dance to children of all ages through classes and workshops as well as documenting the creation of a provocative new dance piece with her talented professional company.
"Lula Washington, who has done some remarkable grass- roots work in her native Los Angeles, offers her company as a physical embodiment of African-American experience and history. In the most intriguing of her pieces, "We Wore the Mask," she displays a sure theatricality that is captivating." -_Roslyn Sulcas, New York Times _
"We Wore The Mask" delivers unflinching social commentary that is revelatory, vigorous and joyful...creating an exacting portrafit of liberation." - Laura Bleiberg, Los Angeles Times
