Jonah Bokaer
Did I remember
September 26, 2018
Long Road Projects presents the world premiere of “Did I Remember,” a new piece of choreography by international choreographer and media artist Jonah Bokaer. This new work will be the culmination of Bokaer’s multi-week residency with Long Road Projects in Jacksonville, Florida accompanied by artistic associate Szabi Pataki. This newly commissioned work will premiere and be performed by the city’s very own critically acclaimed professional modern dance company Jacksonville Dance Theatre. In addition to the newly created choreography, Bokaer will also be working with Master Printmaker Patrick Miko to publish an edition of printed visual works on paper that corresponds to the performance.
Over the course of three multi-week visits to Long Road Projects, Jonah Bokaer conducted a series of research meetings and collaborations in Jacksonville, Florida. During his residency, Bokaer will work with members of Jacksonville Dance Theatre on the creation of a new work entitled “Did I Remember,” inspired by the 1920’s jazz club, Lenape Tavern, housed within the former Genovar’s Hall. Located in the historic neighborhood and birthplace of American author, politician, and early civil rights advocate James Weldon Johnson, LaVilla—Jacksonville’s first suburb—was the epicenter of the Jazz Age in Northeast Florida and often hosted Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and later Ray Charles. Unfortunately with all of its history, the building and surrounding neighborhood succumbed to a period of decline and neglect. All that is left of the original structure are a few exterior brick walls held up by steel beams from failed preservation attempts. “Did I Remember” seeks to channel the histories and mythos of Genovar’s Hall and LaVilla through movement, choreographic design and the music of Billie Holiday.
While Jonah Bokaer Choreography is in its 15th Anniversary Season, planning its Anniversary Gala on October 27th in New York, and fulfilling its highly-anticipated debut at The Joyce Theater October 27-28, Jonah Bokaer and Szabi Pataki will worked and rehearsed locally in Jacksonville for the creation of this project.
“Did I Remember” kicks off Long Road Projects third season and is the first collaboration between Long Road Projects and Jacksonville Dance Theatre. This overarching project will serve not only the arts community of Jacksonville, but the student population at Florida State College at Jacksonville and the Jacksonville public at large. The partnership of the two organizations is meant to strengthen the contemporary art program in the Southeast U.S. while bolstering the profile of Northeast Florida.
Did I Remember
Concept, Set Design and Choreography:
Jonah Bokaer
Artistic Associate and Rehearsal Director:
Szabi Pataki
Performances By:
Winter Bosanko
Amber Daniels
Breanna King
Rebecca R. Levy
Katie McCaughan
Joshua Mora
Tiffany S. Santeiro
Tess Sturgeon
Kristen Sullivan
Jacksonville Dance Theatre Board of Directors:
Stephanie Natale Frus (chair)
Richard Graf (treasurer)
Pam Johnson
Rebecca R. Levy (ex-officio)
Hilary Libman
Holly Deckerhoff Manuel
Amani Mardini
Holly Masturzo (secretary)
Katie McCaughan (ex-officio)
Long Road Projects Board of Directors:
Joseph Harold Egley, Jr. (president)
Madeleine Peck Wagner (vice president)
Kingsley Spencer
Lauren Spencer
Sharon Covart (treasurer)
This project was made possible IN PART BY the following:
The Baker Magid Family
Kingsley and Lauren Spencer
Nick and Madeleine Wagner
Mr. Joseph Harold Egley, Jr.
Mr. Patrick Fisher
Ms. Rebcca R. Levy
Ms. Katie McCaughan
Ms. Holly Deckerhoff Manue
Mr. Patrick Miko
FSCJ Dean Talani Torres
Bold City Brewery
PNC Arts Alive
Jacksonville Dance Theatre
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville
Jacksonville University College of Fine Arts
Florida State College at Jacksonville