INTRO TO A-8

Embark on a profound exploration of transformation, self-discovery, and the nuanced interplay between appearance and reality with The A-8 Experience. Our project delved deep into the human psyche, unraveling the complexities of conflicting desires and motivations that shape our journey through life. As an artistic response to political maneuvering and societal shifts, the experience stood as a communal call to action amidst contentious discourse. Navigating themes of self-reflection, resilience, and liberation, it invited participants to ponder their role in shaping the world. With project initiatives held in Atlanta, GA, and Dallas, TX, together with a culminating performance showcase held in Baton Rouge, LA, participants used improvisational methods of creation to navigate societal dynamics that helped to illuminate pathways toward collective growth and empowerment. The A-8 Experience was more than just a performance — it was a portal leap into a brighter tomorrow!

Contextual Landscape: The showcase unfolded at Independence Park Theatre, near Baton Rouge's center. The theater sits along a historic racial divide, with North Baton Rouge predominantly black and South Baton Rouge predominantly white. The showcase, featuring a predominantly white audience and cast against an all-black production team, was notable for its deliberate demographic juxtaposition.

Event Conspectus: The 90-minute production unfolds in the A-8 Lounge, an open, vibrantly lit space. Artists present their work while a neutral commentator guides attendees through varied perspectives. Each scene prompts introspection—"What am I affirming into my life?"—challenging discomfort and culminating in ease. The lounge's rhythm, orchestrated by the band Vibe Element, encapsulates a resonant frequency—an interactive reminder of positive affirmation.

Back To The A-8 Experience: Welcome Home

PREV / NEXT

* * FEATURED WORK #1 * *

‘EMPTY THINGS’

Narrative Description: ‘Empty Things’ stands as a visionary response to Louisiana’s political landscape, ignited by the state’s controversial healthcare legislation.Born from divisive legislative maneuvers, it aims to bridge societal divides and provoke collective dialogue. Set in the heart of Baton Rouge, the production challenges norms by Description: The A-8

Conceptually Inspired By:

Compositional Insights: Movement Section II (2 of 3); Full Company Dance; Contemporary / Modern

• Bottom of the River | Music By – Delta Rae;

• Location: Dallas, Texas

• Production Affirmation: Fearlessness (A-6)

• Improvisation Themes: Terror, Resilience

Special Guests Artists & Featured Performers:

• Brandon L. Jackson, Poet (Dallas, TX)

• Terrance M. Johnson, Dancer (Dallas, TX)

* * FEATURED WORK #2 * *

‘EMPTY THINGS’

Narrative Description: ‘Empty Things’ stands as a visionary response to Louisiana’s political landscape, ignited by the state’s controversial healthcare legislation.Born from divisive legislative maneuvers, it aims to bridge societal divides and provoke collective dialogue. Set in the heart of Baton Rouge, the production challenges norms by Description: The A-8

Guest Artists & Featured Performers:

• Brandon L. Jackson (Poet) | Dallas, TX

• Terrance M. Johnson (Dancer) | Dallas, TX

Featured Work #1 (Continued)

Compositional Insights: Movement Section II (2 of 3); Full Company Dance; Contemporary / Modern

• Bottom of the River | Music By – Delta Rae;

• Location: Dallas, Texas

• Production Affirmation: Fearlessness (A-6)

• Improvisation Themes: Terror, Resilience

Conceptually Inspired By:

* * FEATURED WORK #3 * *

‘EMPTY THINGS’

Narrative Description: ‘Empty Things’ stands as a visionary response to Louisiana’s political landscape, ignited by the state’s controversial healthcare legislation.Born from divisive legislative maneuvers, it aims to bridge societal divides and provoke collective dialogue. Set in the heart of Baton Rouge, the production challenges norms by Description: The A-8

Guest Artists & Featured Performers:

• Brandon L. Jackson (Poet) | Dallas, TX

• Terrance M. Johnson (Dancer) | Dallas, TX

Featured Work #1 (Continued)

Compositional Insights: Movement Section II (2 of 3); Full Company Dance; Contemporary / Modern

• Bottom of the River | Music By – Delta Rae;

• Location: Dallas, Texas

• Production Affirmation: Fearlessness (A-6)

• Improvisation Themes: Terror, Resilience

Conceptually Inspired By:

* * FEATURED WORK #4 * *

‘EMPTY THINGS’

Narrative Description: ‘Empty Things’ stands as a visionary response to Louisiana’s political landscape, ignited by the state’s controversial healthcare legislation.Born from divisive legislative maneuvers, it aims to bridge societal divides and provoke collective dialogue. Set in the heart of Baton Rouge, the production challenges norms by Description: The A-8

Guest Artists & Featured Performers:

• Brandon L. Jackson (Poet) | Dallas, TX

• Terrance M. Johnson (Dancer) | Dallas, TX

Featured Work #1 (Continued)

Compositional Insights: Movement Section II (2 of 3); Full Company Dance; Contemporary / Modern

• Bottom of the River | Music By – Delta Rae;

• Location: Dallas, Texas

• Production Affirmation: Fearlessness (A-6)

• Improvisation Themes: Terror, Resilience

Conceptually Inspired By:

A-8 Photos - Album I

A-8 Photo Albums… Presenting a comprehensive visual narrative chronicling the production journey, Album I showcases striking imagery of brand marketing materials, promotional tools, and the official souvenir event program. Album II captures the essence of the event through images of performers and captivating onstage moments. Candid snapshots from pre-show artistry workshops and post-show panel discussions offer an intimate look into the event's extended enrichment experiences.

The A-8 Experience presents an immersive theatrical design, delicately delving into societal issues while fostering audience engagement and expression. Through pre-show experiments and post-show panels, it aims to inform and empower participants on overlooked topics like economic disparities and cultural challenges. Offering a safe space for personal and societal exploration, it encourages deeper understanding and consideration.

A-8 Video Gallery offers a dynamic array of supplemental footage, highlighting collaborative artist performances, guest company works, and promotional commercials. Audience interludes, featuring interactive segments, reveal unexpected production insights and social experiments conducted before and during the show. These videos provide a glimpse into the show's immersive experience, fostering reflection and engagement with its thematic elements.

A-8 PRESS & EDITORIALS 

(Event Press, News Sources & Related Articles)

The A-8 Experience: Performance Art Showcase (Official Press Release)

Life Site News: Louisiana passes bill that could shut down three of state’s five abortion facilities

The Advocate: Baton Rouge General to close its Mid City emergency room

More Than Just A Performance: Wilson’s A-8 Experience Set To Affirm The Positive

The Advocate: Metro Council approves resolution to encourage Baton Rouge hospitals to work with proposed ER during contentious meeting

Health Leaders Media: IS IT STILL A HOSPITAL IF THERE'S NO ER?

Kaiser Family Foundation: The Louisiana Health Care Landscape

* * Special Guests & Live Band * *

VIBE ELEMENT

Lead Vocalist & Music Director: Cozy Len Gage, Jr.

As the eclectic A-8 Lounge sways, its pulse is musically engineered throughout the show by the featured band, Vibe Element. Band leader Cozy Len Gage, Jr. is the soulful voice that drives the entire experience.

Cozy Len is a classically trained music artist with over 25 years of experience in songwriting, producing, and live music performances based in Baton Rouge, LA. With both vocal and piano skills, he displays a unique, attracting sound with a wide range of talent and versatility in multiple genres including R&B, Soul, Christian, and Pop.