Phon[e]y: the Prelude

Phon[e]y: The Prelude!

Phon[e]y: The Prelude is a 2025 Lower Manhattan Community Council (LMCC) grant creative engagement: an arts and education experience - featuring a vibrant Afro futuristic contemporary dance theater by Ekundayo Contemporary Arts, commentating on our society’s addiction to cell phones and upgrade/disposable culture. The evening’s work is Act I to a larger ballet that ultimately raises awareness to the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo where resource extraction, displacement and violence fuel the global technological race.

The evening will also feature a live musical interlude by Congolese musician, dancer and culture keeper, Nkumu Katalay. Hosted by the non profit, Friends of the Congo, the evening will conclude with a talk back Q&A to continue the conversation and dive deeper into the cell phone related crisis, both abroad and at home.

Artistic director and executive producer Omari Contaste, proudly presents to you Ekundayo Contemporary Arts in its NYC debut; with creative direction by Negesti McIntosh and featuring dancers Nhyira Asante, Tyler Brunson, Rasha Gurrier and Addy Harris.