School Performance: The Other Side (KCYS)

This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, weekday performances for public schools, private schools, and home school groups.

Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups’ rules by sitting on top of the fence together. Jacqueline Woodson’s simple yet powerful book The Other Side comes to life in a dance piece from Bessie Award-winning choreographer Hope Boykin. When literal and figurative fences keep us apart, can we find the courage—and creativity—to knock them down?

This special collaboration with Dance at Illinois brings choreographer Hope Boykin to the University of Illinois campus for an artist residency, to rehearse university student dancers for their performances of The Other Side at Krannert Center. After the 40-minute dance performance, there will be time for a conversation with the artists.

Adapted from the book by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, directed and choreographed by Hope Boykin, and with original score by Ali Jackson.

Recommended for grades K–5.