Mumbo-jumbo (2011)

Inspired by masked ritual practices of the Mandingo people of Western Africa, controversial 19th century juvenile literature such as Tar-Baby and Other Rhymes of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris, The Adventure of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg by Florence Kate Upton, and Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman, Mumbo-jumbo is a duet for dancers Raja Kelly and Paul Singh exploring sticky situations that occur as a result of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and misrepresentation. The work, costumes are by Carol Binion, is set to music by Kishore Kumar and Raja Hindustani. The work premièred at the 92nd Street Y from February 25th-27th, 2011.

*This video is an excerpt from the complete work.