Given the differences in power, and definitions of success, how can arts and change collaborations between institutions of higher learning and their local communities be equitable and accountable? And how can change oriented artists practice effectively and ethically with a foot in each camp? Billy Yalowitz has had a career as a theater director and choreographer that I think provides provocative answers to both questions and more.

This podcast features a rich conversation between Bill Cleveland and Billy Yalowitz, focusing on the intersection of community arts and social justice. At the heart of their discussion is the importance of facilitating equitable collaborations between artists and their communities, particularly in the context of higher education. Yalowitz shares insights from his diverse career as a theater director and choreographer, emphasizing the necessity of understanding one's own heritage and community narratives before engaging with others. The dialogue also explores the significance of storytelling as a means of empowerment and healing, particularly in marginalized communities. Ultimately, the episode highlights the transformative power of art in bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding across different cultural backgrounds.

A key highlight of the episode is the Black Bottom Performance Project, where Yalowitz worked to amplify the voices of a community displaced by urban renewal. This project not only sought to reclaim lost stories but also fostered a sense of belonging among participants. Yalowitz emphasizes the importance of creating spaces for collective memory and narrative sharing, illustrating how art can bridge divides and facilitate healing. The project serves as a testament to the potential of community arts to address historical injustices and promote social cohesion, prompting listeners to consider the power of storytelling in their own lives.

As the episode progresses, the discussion evolves into pressing contemporary issues, particularly climate justice and the disconnection from land that many communities experience. Yalowitz shares his ongoing work in the Hudson Valley, where he seeks to reconnect with his cultural roots while collaborating with indigenous peoples. This aspect of the conversation underscores the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental stewardship.

Key Moments

03:47 The Keys to the Kingdom: Billy's Building Project

05:29 Exploring Identity and Community

08:48 Golden's Bridge: A Cultural Sanctuary

15:22 The Tradition of Community Arts

21:40 The Legacy of Folk and Modern Dance

26:05 The Black Bottom Performance Project

27:23 Community Stories and Reparations

32:15 Migrations and Hyphenations: An Israeli/Palestinian Sago

36:25 The Birth Narrative and Twin, Twin Transfusion Syndrome

41:54 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Rehearsal

47:06 Land Amnesia and Climate Justice

51:40 Reflections and Inspirations

BIO

Billy Yalowitz is a writer, director and community arts practitioner whose writings and interdisciplinary performance works draw from public history and chronicle grassroots movements for self-determination.

Yalowitz’s interdisciplinary performance works have been presented off-Broadway and internationally. He has directed critically acclaimed and nationally profiled community-based performance-installations in Philadelphia neighborhoods since 1991. Yalowitz has been named “Best Unclassifiable Theater Artist” by Philadelphia’s City Paper, Best Choreographer by the Philadelphia Inquirer, and was nominated for a Barrymore Award for his work at People’s Light & Theater Company.  He was commissioned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to create a performance-festival, The Fathering Circle.

Yalowitz’s work has been featured in the New York Times