Marks of RED
Photo Credits – Kameron Herndon, courtesy of Walker Art Center; Douglas Mason, Courtesy of MASS MoCA
A work of magical realism narrated by and featuring the viewpoints of six women, Marks of RED continues award-winning choreographer Shamel Pitts’ research exploring Black embodiment, aliveness and human connection.
Marks of RED is an Afrofuturistic meditation on the “womb space,” divining the effect that memory has on our experiences, senses, bodies, reality, and our imaginative possibilities.
The multidisciplinary work includes scenic designs by Mimi Lien, projection lights by Lucca Del Carlo, lighting design by Sarai Frazier, and production by TRIBE arts collective. The fourth chapter in the RED Series by Pitts, Marks of RED explores the nuanced multiplicity and deep complexity of self-expression, and the perceived spaces for regeneration, enfoldment, implosion, rupture & potential.
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Duration: 60 minutes | Age Restriction: None | Please note: Contains stroboscopic lighting and electronic music.
Upcoming Performances
Artistic Team
Founding Artistic Director, Concept Direction & Choreographer: Shamel Pitts
Performers: Ashley Pierre-Louis, Marcella Lewis, Imani Gaudin, Dominica Greene, Ke’ron J. Wilson, Kris Lee
Artistic Associate: Niall Jones
Scenic Design: Mimi Lien
Video Light & Mapping Designer: Lucca Del Carlo
Artistic Production Manager & Lighting Designer: Sarai Frazier
Costume Designer: Sharifa Morris
Fabrication Director & Design Consultant: Errin Shin
Original Music Composition: Sivan Jacobovitz
Original Vocal Music Composition: Dorian Wood
Original Saxophone Composition: Bendik Giske
Text: Claudia Rankine, from PLOT
Spoken Word Voiceover: Moor Mother
Music Mixing & Mastering: Manny Catechis
Additional Music:
“it is what it is in d minor” (from “sleep with a cane” by Klein)
“winner’s clause” (from “marked” by Klein)
“Channel X: into the tranquility” (Ryoji Ikeda)
“F****t” (Arca)
“Child” (Arca)
“Ænnihilator” (Domingæ)
“enemy of the state” (from “marked” Klein)
“let is sink in” (from “sleep with a cane” by Klein)
Artistic Doula: Melanie George
Photographers: Alex Apt, Tyler Blint-Welsh
Stage & Tour Manager: Kaz Russell
Creative Director: Mirelle Martins
Artistic Administrator: E Katrina Lewis
Managing Director: Brittany Wilson
Development Director: Eric Umble
Digital Creative & Development Associate: Pam Panozzo
Worldwide Bookings: Lotus Arts Management | Sophie Myrtil-McCourty
Photo Credits – Tyler Blint-Welsh; Alex Apt
Funding
Marks of RED was developed during a Summer Stages Dance @ The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston residency in 2024. Marks of RED was developed at MASS MoCA in Spring 2026. The work was commissioned by Northrop at the University of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center for presentation in 2026, with lead support from the Arison Arts Foundation and Marcel Przymusinski.
Creation of Marks of RED was made possible in part by a YoungArts Microgrant; by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; and with additional support from UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance, Mellon Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, SHS Foundation, TRIBE’s individual donors, and our Board of Directors. The development of Marks of RED was made possible in part by NCCAkron, Powerhouse Arts, and MASS MoCA. To view TRIBE’s complete list of supporters visit itsatribe.org/support.
Development & Technical Residencies
Summer Stages Dance @ The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (Summer 2024)
Orsolina28 Art Foundation (Co-produced, Summer 2025) *
DOCK 11 EDEN, Berlin (2025) *
Kaatsbaan Cultural Park (Creation and/or preview residency, Summer 2025) **
Powerhouse Arts (Spring 2026)
- MASS MoCA (Spring 2026)
* Marks of RED was commissioned by Northrop at The University of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center (2026).
** Creation made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
About “RED Series”
The “RED Series” continues Shamel Pitts research to propose and share the colorfulness within blackness.
RED Series art projects:
TOUCH OF RED
A new duet of two men that takes place inside of a contemporary boxing/wrestling ring. Its research will deal with the allowance of black men to soften; the power in vulnerability; the meeting point of two individuals within a boxed space.
Solace of RED
A performance art residency incubator initiated by TRIBE’s Artistic Director Shamel Pitts, Solace of RED intertwines different art languages to create one live performance experience.
Lake of RED (2020)
A short film, a poetic audiovisual performance art installation that takes place inside a fragmented space. Within the short film, Shamel Pitts deploys his unique style of choreography, inspired by Gaga movement language, nightlife, whilst exploring a close dialogue with the lights that occupy (and transform) the surroundings.
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