Dave Ragland & Shabaz Ujima

Steal Away

with Inversion Vocal Ensemble, Diaspora Orchestra, shackled feet DANCE, Friends Life Community, and Rejoice School of Ballet

December 2-5

Tickets from $20

"Dave Ragland has garnered a sterling reputation as one of Nashville’s most gifted and versatile composers."

— Nashville Scene

More than 30 Nashville artists are featured in this uplifting new music and dance collaboration from Emmy-nominated composer Dave Ragland and celebrated choreographer Shabaz Ujima. Pushing the boundaries of conventional opera narratives, Ragland reimagines traditional African American spirituals to explore universal themes of hardship, hope, and renewal. Ragland’s acclaimed work was featured as part of Nick Cave: Feat. Nashville in addition to his work with Nashville Opera, Nashville Ballet, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and many others.

Shining a spotlight on the power of community, choreographer Shabaz Ujima leads a multi-generational company of diverse dancers including featured artists from Rejoice School of Ballet, Friends Life Community, and his company shackled feet DANCE. Ujima’s choreography has appeared in several notable engagements, including work with Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Shades of Black Festival, and Kindling Arts Festival.

EVENT PARTNER:

MEDIA SPONSOR

CURRENT COVID-19 POLICY

Masks are required inside the OZ Arts facility when not actively drinking, regardless of vaccination status. Complimentary disposable masks are available for guests at check-in.

PODCAST INTERVIEW

Go behind the scenes of Steal Away in the newest episode of our Brave New Art podcast. Composer Dave Ragland and choreographer Shabaz Ujima share their personal connections to the spirituals at the heart of the production, the imperative celebration of Black joy, and the value of community representation both onstage and off.

This performance is funded in part by Metro Nashville Arts Commission; a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission; and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.