Choreographer and MacArthur Genius Fellow Kyle Abraham, and his dance company Abraham.In.Motion, make their Chicago debut with The Radio Show at MCA Stage. This acclaimed work intertwines two stories drawn from Abraham's formative years in Pittsburgh: the impact of his community's favorite hometown radio station closing and the breakdown of communication with his father as he progressed into Alzheimer's disease and aphasia. The performances take place February 20-22 at 7:30 pm and February 23 at 3 pm in the Edlis Neeson Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

The Radio Show is an evocative piece of abstracted dance set to an eclectic score. It explores Abraham's fond memories and celebrates what has been lost. Created in collaboration with the dancers of Abraham.In.Motion, this Bessie Award-winning production features choreography marked by expressive gestures. The soundtrack blends classic soul, hip-hop, Motown gospel, R&B, and excerpts from late night call-in shows and talk radio DJs, as well as contemporary music by Ryoji Ikeda and Alva Noto. Abraham's work intertwines a sensual style with a strong emphasis on sound and human behavior. He frequently draws from his personal history to address themes of race relations, queerness, and Americana.

Born into hip-hop culture in the late 1970s, Kyle Abraham had an artistic upbringing grounded in classical cello, piano, and visual arts. Abraham created the dance company Abraham.In.Motion in 2006. He has received numerous awards as a dancer and as a choreographer, including being named a 2013 MacArthur Fellow, a 2012 Jacob's Pillow Dance Awardee, and a 2012 USA Ford Fellow. He is the newly appointed New York Live Arts Resident Commissioned Artist for 2012-14. His choreography has been presented throughout the United States and abroad, most recently at On The Boards, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, REDCAT, Philly Live Arts, Portland's Time Based Arts Festival, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Danspace Project, Dance Theater Workshop, Bates Dance Festival, and Harlem Stage.

Photos: Bill H Photography