Our current line of enquiry and project, the Carcelera Project, is once again rooted in community, history and the idea that artists create change. “Carcelera” is a flamenco style of singing and dancing. Lyrics are related to and of prison and prisoners’ issues in Roma culture. The project came from meeting Hip Hop artist King Moosa through our Night out in the Parks series. We learned of his piece, Fully Free, and The Fully Free Campaign. This campaign and anthem of the same name works to dismantle the laws and regulations that govern permanent punishments, which are barriers that deny or restrict rights and opportunities for people with a record, long after their involvement with the criminal legal system is over. The first creative seed for this project was Moosa’s affiliation with the campaign and intersection with the Illinois Prison Project.
Click the link below to listen to King Moosa rap to bulerias.
Clip of a rehearsal session between King Moosa and Diego Alvarez.
Click the link below to learn more about King Moosa’s story, his work, and his affiliations with Clinard Dance.