Join us for the New England premiere of A Mother’s Rite!
Pictured: Daphne M. Lee, photo by Argenis Apolinario for The Black Iris Project
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Doors 7:00 PM | Performance 7:30 PM
Union Chapel — Oak Bluffs
55 Narragansett Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Presented by Jeremy McQueen’s Black Iris Project & 651 Arts, in partnership with Vineyard Arts Project
No late seating
Ticket purchases are final sale. No refunds or exchanges will be provided.
Content Advisory: This performance contains strobe lights. Not recommended for young children.
Jeremy McQueen’s Emmy® award-winning Black Iris Project and 651 Arts proudly presents the New England premiere of A Mother’s Rite, a cutting-edge ballet that explores one mother’s journey through stages of grief after being thrust into the spotlight by way of her son's murder. Inspired by countless Black mothers who have lost their children to police brutality and racially targeted violence, A Mother’s Rite is a single act solo set to Igor Stravinsky's iconic Rite of Spring musical composition. On Martha’s Vineyard, A Mother’s Rite will be performed by former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater soloist, Fana Tesfagiorgis.
Directed & Choreographed by Jeremy McQueen and developed in collaboration with librettist Angelica Chéri, A Mother’s Rite was co-commissioned through the The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Dance and Visual Arts Collaborative Commissioning Program and 651 ARTS, with additional support provided by Vineyards Arts Project. The stage version of the ballet premiered on Thursday, August 16, 2018 in New York City, presented by City Park's Foundation's SUMMERSTAGE. Performed by Alvin Ailey American Dancer Theater dancer and Princess Grace Award recipient Courtney Celeste Spears, the Emmy® Award-nominated film adaptation was filmed and edited by award-winning filmmaker Colton Williams, and premiered on January 19, 2019.
For over 125 years, Judson has served as a beacon of Radical Hope for Greenwich Village and far beyond. Through their unique approach to expansive spirituality, embodied justice-seeking, and unfettered creativity, the Judson community continues to reimagine what church can be: a sanctuary where organizers, activists, and artists are lifted up as the voices that show us where we've been, who we are, and what we can become. Whether it's Judson's 11am Sunday morning service, it's regular Wednesday night arts programming, or one of the hundreds of gatherings we host every year, there's a place for you. If you'd like to learn more or donate to support our efforts, follow these codes or visit judson.org.
Blood In The Soil was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund which receives support from the Cheswatyr Foundation, Fifth House Ensemble, and legacy contributions to the organization’s endowment. Support for organizations based in New York State is provided in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor. Support for organizations based in New York City is provided in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and with support from the Howard Gilman Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase a ticket at the door?
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. Seating is limited and we anticipate online tickets to sell out rapidly.
How long is the performance and will there be an intermission?
The program runs 90 minutes in length and will be performed without an intermission. The evening will conclude with a post-performance community conversation.
I won’t be able to attend but can I make a donation?
Absolutely! Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to help us continue creating and presenting impactful works of art.
Will the performance be live-streamed?
Unfortunately, no.
Is the venue ADA accessible?
Yes! However, the room where the VIP Reception will be held is unfortunately not ADA accessible and will require the use of stairs. Please feel free to contact us directly if you require additional assistance or information.
How do I get there?
For directions to Judson Memorial Church, visit https://www.judson.org/directions