“Five Pillars,” by Nyama McCarthy-Brown
H.A.T.CH. Spring Concert
April 11-13, 2024
Title: “Five Pillars”
Choreographer: Nyama McCarthy-Brown
Music: Orchestra of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Antranik Askarian and Khatchador Khatchatu, and Hanno Herbst
Dramaturgs: Fatima Moallim and Latifat Sulaimon
Dancers: (Community Members) Halima Alqadri, Khadija Alqadri (Ohio State Dance Students) Meghan Bhanoo, Malaika Burke, Hattie Plinke, Larissa Rojas, Latifat Sulaimon, Eryn Toppin
Notes on the piece: This piece was developed in community and collaboration with a number of Muslims in the area that are connected to members of the cast or the choreographer. The work seeks to come into knowledge or deepen one’s understanding of the foundational five pillars of the Islamic faith, and express an inspiration of what was learned. It is not an imitation, recreation, representation or performance of Islam. It is an expression of appreciation for the inspirations that were gained through this engaged making process. Additional community participants of this process included Nama Khalil, Ayah Said, Mariam Salem and the Sulaimon family. This work was also advanced by the members of the Masjid An-Nabawi of the Nigerian Muslim Community Center, who generously welcomed and shared with the cast. The work toured this spring semester with Artist Laureate Dr. Nyama McCarthy-Brown’s new production “Dancing Stories: Comings, Goings, and Finding Home” to Ohio State’s regional campuses in Lima and Mansfield, Ohio as well as special engagements at Miami University and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Videography: Meghan Bhanoo
Edited by: Lexi Clark-Stilianos