The Good News (2022-Current)
Dream it.
The Good News is a set of choreographies, “ honoring maker Johnnie Cruise Mercer’s upbringing in the Black Baptist church. The work unfolds as a love-offering, an event curated specifically to support the four communities that I call home (Richmond, VA, Durham, NC, New York City, NY, and Washington, DC).
Build it.
The Good News treats the audience as though they are a congregation, carrying them through four acts, each with their own message.
Dream it.
The Good News runs 90 minutes including an intermission. The event includes a pre-show grievance altar (where congregation members will be able to write and burn unwanted grief/negative energy), a live drum ensemble (hired per location), food (chicken, okra, and sweet tea), and a chance for all involved to give their own video testimonal following the concert.
The work is site responsive, and can happen outside or inside, providing each community that holds it multiple entry/access points.