Bill T. Jones: Bringing Art to an Evolving Audience

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/series/masters_modern_dance

World-renowned choreographer and director Bill T. Jones describes his interest in attracting a wider audience for his production of "Fela!" Jones reflects on the evolving theater culture in America, saying, "The demographics of the country are changing, are we ready?"

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Bill T. Jones has long been recognized as one of this country's leading contemporary dancers and choreographers, known for his mix of athleticism and his willingness to take on big subjects from the world around him. Most recently, Jones is tackling history: Traveling around the country are works about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, on Broadway is 'Fela: the Musical,' which is about a 1970s African pop star and political activist. He discusses his work with PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeff Brown. - Macneil / Lehrer Productions

Artistic Director/Co-Founder/Choreographer/Dancer Bill T. Jones is the recipient of a 2007 Tony Award, 2007 Obie Award, and 2006 Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation CALLAWAY Award for his choreography for Spring Awakening; the 2007 USA Eileen Harris Norton Fellowship; the 2006 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreography for The Seven; the 2005 Wexner Prize; the 2005 Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement; the Harlem Renaissance Award; the 2003 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize; and the 1994 MacArthur "Genius" Award.

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[HansonProMusic]

Sir,

Thank you for being articulate in your english.

I have freinds who had top 10 hits (music) now in their late 60's who can not retire.

Some of them led the culture in the 70's.

It is a shame!

[glennd7962]

@HansonProMusic OIC, so you weren't inferring somehow that this is unjust? Sorry if I put that on you, but I've been listening to artists whine my whole life while I built a career that would sustain me AND did my art. I gig when I want to, came within a millimeter of having a novel published by FSG, but have never made it to the point where my art would support me. So many other artists I know hide out inside the meme that society is somehow unjust to them - it's pathetic.

[HansonProMusic]

@glennd7962 Sir or Madame,

I never indicated it was your problem, or anyone else, other than my friends.

I am not angry, I am just pointing out that it is a shame that people who have an influance in many lives for the positive are not properly taking care of themselves for whatever reason.

Be it bad contracts from bad advice, spending to much money they used to have, or not getting what was actually due to them.

I hope you do better and wish you prosperity and peace in your life.

[glennd7962]

@HansonProMusic - And how is that my problem? Many people don't have the resources to retire - not just artists. Fyi, I'm a writer and singer/songwriter so I'm all too familiar with the fantasy world that many artists like to retreat into, a fantasy world in which they are angry (just like you) about the fact that the world doesn't provide them a living just because they call themselves "artists". Get a job, if you don't have valuable skills, the local burger joint is always hiring.