.jpg)
Fresh off the success of 125th & Freedom comes The Divining: Ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree, conceived and curated by Ebony Noelle Golden, is a powerful series of ritual performances, processions, and visual installations that invite you to experience the intersection of art, activism, and spirituality.
Guided by the wisdom of ancestors and the urgency of now, this theatrical ceremony combines movement, poetry, percussion and visual art in a call to reclaim our connection to the land and to each other. The Divining: Ceremonies in the name of the m/other tree weaves together the rhythms of climate change, environmental justice, and the deep roots of Harlem's heritage.
Audiences are invited to travel throughout Harlem in this walking processional with the cast of The Divining: ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree and members of our community. Featuring micro-rituals, poetry and percussion audiences will be guided to sacred sites throughout Harlem ending at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. Audiences are encouraged to wear white or blue.
About the Production:
Feverish floods and land-quakes unfold when three mother trees vanish. The mystical and magical town of Here is swept up in the undertow. Sisters Teeny and Vetiver spiral. The people must decide. Return to their ancestors’ ways or perish with the faithless.
About Apollo New Works:
The Apollo New Works initiative expands upon The Apollo’s mission to support the creation of new work by Black artists. Emerging and established multidisciplinary artists are commissioned and provided space, time, and resources to create, develop, and present work across The Apollo stages — including The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, which will serve as the main incubation space. Commissioned works will include world premiere performances, festivals, and programs rooted in music, dance, theater, poetry, and more.
Presented by The Apollo & National Black Theatre
Commissioned by The Apollo’s Harlem 100 initiative
Written, Directed and Choreographed by Apollo New Works Artist Ebony Noelle Golden
Featuring Jupiter Performance Studio
Creative Team:
Ebony "Es" Webster | Associate Choreographer
Kofi Hunter | M/D Composer
Jessica Howard | Vocal coach
Rodrigo Muñoz | Costume Designer
Ray Archie | Sound Design
Izmir Ickbal | Scenic Design
Viktor Givens | Scenic Environmentalist/Installation Artist
Belynda M'Baye | Props Design
Emma Deane | Lighting Design
Graham Zellers |Lighting Design
Sierre Leverett | Script Associate
Omisade Burney-Scott | Dramaturg
Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones | Dramaturg
Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs | Additional text/Dramaturg
Toshi Reagon | Project Mentor
Jack Meister-Lopez | Production Stage Manager
Brianna Guillen | Assistant Stage Manager
Amber Snead | Casting Director
Funders And Supporters
Apollo Theater, National Black Theatre, Double Edge Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Mercury Store, The Shed-Open call Program, Hi-Arts, Toshi Reagon & Wise Reagon Art, Pilsbury House + Theatre, Green Apu Productions & Central Mesa, New England Foundation for the Arts - National Theater Project, Network of Ensemble Theaters, NYSCA, LMCC- UMEZ and Arts Engagement, MacDowell, Saltwater RoadArtist Residency and Performance Institute, Mumbet’s Freedom Farm, Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, Mondo Bizarro, Yaddo
Fresh off the success of 125th & Freedom comes The Divining: Ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree, conceived and curated by Ebony Noelle Golden, is a powerful series of ritual performances, processions, and visual installations that invite you to experience the intersection of art, activism, and spirituality.
Guided by the wisdom of ancestors and the urgency of now, this theatrical ceremony combines movement, poetry, percussion and visual art in a call to reclaim our connection to the land and to each other. The Divining: Ceremonies in the name of the m/other tree weaves together the rhythms of climate change, environmental justice, and the deep roots of Harlem's heritage.
Audiences are invited to travel throughout Harlem in this walking processional with the cast of The Divining: ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree and members of our community. Featuring micro-rituals, poetry and percussion audiences will be guided to sacred sites throughout Harlem ending at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. Audiences are encouraged to wear white or blue.
About the Production:
Feverish floods and land-quakes unfold when three mother trees vanish. The mystical and magical town of Here is swept up in the undertow. Sisters Teeny and Vetiver spiral. The people must decide. Return to their ancestors’ ways or perish with the faithless.
About Apollo New Works:
The Apollo New Works initiative expands upon The Apollo’s mission to support the creation of new work by Black artists. Emerging and established multidisciplinary artists are commissioned and provided space, time, and resources to create, develop, and present work across The Apollo stages — including The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, which will serve as the main incubation space. Commissioned works will include world premiere performances, festivals, and programs rooted in music, dance, theater, poetry, and more.
Presented by The Apollo & National Black Theatre
Commissioned by The Apollo’s Harlem 100 initiative
Written, Directed and Choreographed by Apollo New Works Artist Ebony Noelle Golden
Featuring Jupiter Performance Studio
Creative Team:
Ebony "Es" Webster | Associate Choreographer
Kofi Hunter | M/D Composer
Jessica Howard | Vocal coach
Rodrigo Muñoz | Costume Designer
Ray Archie | Sound Design
Izmir Ickbal | Scenic Design
Viktor Givens | Scenic Environmentalist/Installation Artist
Belynda M'Baye | Props Design
Emma Deane | Lighting Design
Graham Zellers |Lighting Design
Sierre Leverett | Script Associate
Omisade Burney-Scott | Dramaturg
Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones | Dramaturg
Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs | Additional text/Dramaturg
Toshi Reagon | Project Mentor
Jack Meister-Lopez | Production Stage Manager
Brianna Guillen | Assistant Stage Manager
Amber Snead | Casting Director
Funders And Supporters
Apollo Theater, National Black Theatre, Double Edge Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Mercury Store, The Shed-Open call Program, Hi-Arts, Toshi Reagon & Wise Reagon Art, Pilsbury House + Theatre, Green Apu Productions & Central Mesa, New England Foundation for the Arts - National Theater Project, Network of Ensemble Theaters, NYSCA, LMCC- UMEZ and Arts Engagement, MacDowell, Saltwater RoadArtist Residency and Performance Institute, Mumbet’s Freedom Farm, Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, Mondo Bizarro, Yaddo
.png)
%20(1).png)
%20(1)%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
Arrival Time:
Ticket holders are required to arrive by 3:30 PM. Please note that late arrivals may result in your ticket being reassigned to someone on the waitlist.
RSVP Status:
RSVPs for Saturday, September 14th performance of The Divining: Ceremonies in the name of the m/other tree are now closed. However, those still wishing to attend may join the waitlist. Waitlist tickets will be distributed in person at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning after 3:30 PM on the day of the performance.
Late Seating:
There will be no late seating. We kindly ask all guests to arrive on time.
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
