Step Afrika!

Aronoff Center
Tuesday, March 11, 2025

5:30 p.m. FLOW SOCIAL at The Lempicka by Jeff Ruby
7:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Step Afrika! is the authority on the artform of stepping and one of the top ten African American dance companies in the U.S. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. It's signature work, "The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence," returns to the Aronoff along with new pieces called "The Movement."

"Jaja's African Hair Braiding"

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Thursday, June 19, 2025

6 p.m. FLOW SOCIAL
7:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE

Welcome to Jaja's bustling hair braiding shop in Harlem where a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrants create masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women every day. During one sweltering summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish and secrets will be revealed.

This boisterous, heartwarming play by award-winning Ghanaian American playwright Jocelyn Bioh makes its regional premiere following its dazzling Broadway debut.

Conversation with Charles Gaines on "The American Manifest"

Summer 2025

DATE & LOCATION TBD

One of the foremost conceptual artists of the 21st Century, Charles Gaines has spent eight years creating "The American Manifest." Confronting and exploring complex themes — American capitalism, born on the backs of enslaved African people; Manifest Destiny and colonial imperialism; and racism — the project consists of "Moving Chains," a massive outdoor art installation making its way to The Banks; a second installation, "Roots," coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum; and an original musical composition, "Manifestos Four," to be performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

"One of the most consequential works of public art in the world."