Past Performing Arts | Theater | Dance

SOLE Defined

ZAZ 

Presented by the Wexner Center for the Arts and The Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs 

World Premiere

Six dancers perform a synchronized routine on stage, each striking a dynamic pose with one arm raised and one bent, under colorful stage lighting.
Sep 04, 2025–Sep 07, 2025
Available Times
  • Thu, Sep 04, 7:00 PM
  • Fri, Sep 05, 7:00 PM
  • Sun, Sep 07, 3:00 PM
Performance Space

The September 7 performance is at capacity.

$25 members 
$41 general public 
$36 adults 55 and over 
$18 artists and educators 
$12 students

For ticketing questions please call the Visitor Desk at (614) 292-3535.

If you have questions about accessibility or require an accommodation to participate in this event, please email accessibility@wexarts.org or call (614) 688-3890. Visit our Accessibility page to learn more.

Become a Member

A powerful performative archive of stories honoring the resilience of Hurricane Katrina survivors, embodying their experiences through dance, music, and technology.

ZAZ is an immersive sensory performance that shifts traditional viewing practices beyond just sight and sound. The performers embody the oral histories and recorded experiences of survivors of Hurricane Katrina. They perform in tap shoes, hard-soled shoes, gumboots, and barefoot, creating a rhythmic score that supports the narration woven into the performance. These stories are conveyed through speaking, singing, rapping, and projections, creating a unique experience that transports the audience to New Orleans and breaks down the boundaries of the fourth wall. 

Conceived by Ryan K. Johnson, an acclaimed 2024 Guggenheim Choreography Fellow and recipient of the prestigious 2024 New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project production grant, this choreography-led performance intricately weaves soundscapes and cutting-edge media technology with vibrant percussive dance. This world premiere includes choreography by Michelle Gibson and Quynn Johnson with musical arrangements by Tamar Greene of Hamilton, Broadway company. (90 mins. no intermission)

IMAGE CAPTION
ZAZ, photo: Becca Marcela Oviatt.

Know before you go

  • All nearby CampusParc garages are subject to special event parking during the September 5 performance. The standard discounts for $5 parking for the public and free parking for members will not apply. Learn more about parking.
  • Please note: this performance uses theatrical haze and strobe lights.

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About the artist

SOLE Defined

SOLE Defined, led by the 2024 Guggenheim Choreography Fellow Ryan K. Johnson and international art-based teaching and performing artist Quynn L. Johnson, is a group of percussive dance artists who transform their bodies into human drums, creating immersive performances and innovative arts education programs. The company pushes the boundaries of African diasporic percussive dance, specifically tap dance, body percussion, and sand dance, infused with technology and original music, captivating audiences nationwide. SOLE Defined's mission is to preserve, advance, and honor the tradition of African diasporic percussive dance. Learn more at soledefined.com.

Tag(s)

Program Support

The presentation of ZAZ was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.

Additional support provided by The Ohio State Office of Academic Affairs and ENGIE.

PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY

Doris Duke Foundation

WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY

Greater Columbus Arts Council

The Wexner Family

Ohio Arts Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts

CampusParc

The Columbus Foundation

Every Page Foundation

Mellon Foundation

Axium Packaging

Nationwide Foundation

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

Joyce Shenk

Lachelle Thigpen

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Past Performing Arts

SOLE Defined

Sep 04, 2025–Sep 07, 2025
Friday's Hours 10AM–6PM
  • Thu, Sep 04, 7:00 PM
  • Fri, Sep 05, 7:00 PM
  • Sun, Sep 07, 3:00 PM
Performance Space

The September 7 performance is at capacity.

$25 members 
$41 general public 
$36 adults 55 and over 
$18 artists and educators 
$12 students

For ticketing questions please call the Visitor Desk at (614) 292-3535.

If you have questions about accessibility or require an accommodation to participate in this event, please email accessibility@wexarts.org or call (614) 688-3890. Visit our Accessibility page to learn more.

Become a Member