Artists & Projects Directory
Cross Performance/Ralph Lemon
Three (1999) is a 17-minute film created by Ralph Lemon and choreographer Bebe Miller
and directed by British filmmaker, Isaac Julien. Bringing together two African
American choreographers and a Black British filmmaker, all with distinct
histories and voices, Three explores
and explodes the historic dynamics and expectations of a relationship between
an African American woman and man. Julien, Lemon and Miller use dance and text
to transcend the history and visual predictability of a race-weighted
relationship. The film juxtaposes scenes of dancing-at times ethereal and
tender, at other times carnal and aggressive-with symbolically weighted images
and scenes of mundane, daily life. Interwoven with the dance are images of
falling, reflection, classical theatre and the street; voice-over text spoken
by Lemon, Miller, and actress Cleo Sylvester; and a collage of music.
Three has been screened at
dance and films festivals throughout the world. To arrange for a screening,
contact Milka at milka@mappinternational.org or 646-602-9390.