What is PATRIOT?

In 2019, partnering with the NC Arts Council and the USO, Black Box Dance Theatre (BBDT) began the creation of PATRIOT, an evening length work of multimedia dance, theater, and story telling that is a living memorial of emotionally charged, virtuosic dancing examining the service and sacrifice of US veterans, active duty military and their families. In 2021 BBDT will premier PATRIOT in veteran and military communities throughout NC and beyond. BBDT has a long history with the USO of NC as part of its nationally recognized Warrior, Spouse and Family Reset Programs. Aimed to build resiliency, Resets support military service members and their families through movement, dance and story telling workshops to help them deal with the ongoing mental wellness challenges of military life, including deployment and reintegration. In addition to the Resets, PATRIOT is an invitation for participants to bring their experiences and stories to a larger platform.

The performance of PATRIOT is inspired by the non-fiction stories collected during Resets and first hand experiences of BBDT dancers. The choreographed framework of PATRIOT allows for the integration of community performers. The lens of hero, veteran, spouse, and protestor are threads that have emerged.  Alfredo, a Purple Heart Veteran injured by a 400 lb bomb in Iraq; Roy, a non-combat veteran who was drafted out of school; Nikki, a military spouse and mother who carries the stress of her husband’s deployments; and Steven, a war protestor who struggles with supporting his brother who recently joined the Army all bring authentic voices to the art making. Moments of pageantry, humor, physicality, and humility have surfaced in the making of PATRIOT. Differing views, differing abilities, differing voices are given stage. 

PATRIOT Past Performances:

Cary Performing Arts Center, Cary NC - March 6, 2022

CoMMA - Morganton, NC - August 13, 2021:

Diana Wortham Theater - Asheville, NC - August 14, 2021:

Paramount Theater - Goldsboro, NC - October 15, 2021

East Carolina University - Greenville, NC - November 11, 2021:

More on our workshops:

Our reputation for “meeting people where they are” and allowing for the dance to reveal itself through tried and true methods of engagement seem more essential now than ever. BBDT workshops provide interactive methods that elicit personal stories, unearth multiple meanings, and generate authentic movement responses; allowing participants to experience differing viewpoints and understand their own story in a new way. This workshop structure has a proven record of effectiveness having been developed over the last three years for the USO of NC as part of its nationally recognized Warrior and Spouse Reset Programs. BBDT will follow CDC guidelines as we continue our work with PATRIOT.

How can you support PATRIOT?

BBDT is excited to bring PATRIOT to Asheville, Morganton, Greenville, and Goldsboro in Fall 2021. Help us cover some of the costs of travel, lodging, costuming, and more. With your help we can connect with and share the stories of our military and veteran communities through our 2021 PATRIOT workshop and residency tour.

In addition to the Resets, PATRIOT is an invitation for participants to bring their experiences and stories to a larger platform. Share your story with us or make a donation below!

Photos by Matt Kesterson