The Caged Bird Sings

When I read Maya Angelou’s The Caged Bird Sings, I was struck by how every word seemed to resonate like a pulse, a rhythm that builds and refuses to fade. It’s a piece that speaks so deeply to human resilience, the fight for freedom, and the transformative power of voice—and I knew it had to find its way into our work. Our collaboration with Overshadowed and Kady Debelak is an incredible multi-discipline performance that has stuck a deep chord with me and with the dancers.

In this performance, we’re not merely dancing; we’re embodying the fight for liberation that Angelou so passionately speaks of. Our dancers move through the words and the emotions, bringing the poem’s images to life. Through this journey, you’ll witness moments of struggle—almost as if the dancers are pressing against an invisible barrier—and, finally, a break into freedom, like a bird released from its cage. This dance isn’t just about the story of one individual; it’s about every person who’s ever felt silenced, unseen, or constrained by expectations and choices.

I want audiences to feel the weight and beauty of Angelou’s words as they see our dancers soar, fall, and rise again. This is a performance that goes beyond ballet into the realms of spoken word, music, and visual storytelling, allowing us to honor Angelou’s legacy and invite our audience into an experience of empathy and understanding.

Come witness The Caged Bird Sings. May it inspire you to find your own voice and remember that, even in life’s darkest moments, there is a hope that sings on. Join us February 8th for this remarkable production! Tickets available now.