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. Patriot has continued to evolve since 2021.

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. 

How can you support PATRIOT?

Photos by Matt Kesterson