When Universes takes the stage at Kenan Theatre tonight, it will take audiences on a poetic and musical journey through the New York-based group’s past.
But even that description does not do the four-person group or its show justice. They combine elements of jazz, hip-hop, spoken word and dance to create one experience — theater.
“We’ve been called everything: hip-hop theater, black theater, Latino theater, community theater,” said Steven Sapp, a founding member of the group. “We really try to just be accepted and acknowledged as theater.”
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The performances: Time: 8 p.m. today through Sunday, with an additional 2 p.m. show Sunday Location: Kenan Theatre
He said that limiting the group with one label, like hip-hop theater, will repel some viewers who still can learn from the performance.
“Hopefully everyone will give themselves an opportunity to see the work before they judge it,” Sapp said.
Universes’ program tonight includes snippets of its previous works, including its newest show “Ameriville” about living in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
This show, “The Big Bang” shares its name with a forthcoming book about the group and their performances. The group worked with PlayMakers Repertory Company before, performing in 2007.
In addition to the shows, which open tonight and run through Sunday, the group with host a master class on Thursday and judge a spoken word competition on Friday.
