DUETS OF DIFFERENCE: What Matters to Us
Directed by Creative Traffic Flow: Jeesun Choi, DawN Crandell, Kristin Rose Kelly
Film Editor and Cinematographer: Luke Ohlson
Choreographed and Performed by Michi Osato
Music Composer: Teresa Lotz
Featuring Students from The University Settlement Adult Literacy Program
Presented via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/events/770327290539036/

A digital performance exploring the identities and stories of University Settlement community members studying English as a second language in the Adult Literacy Program accompanied by music and dance. The film is a culmination of a month-long teaching artist residency with four different Adult Literacy classes. “What Matters to Us” is a virtual reimagination and application of Creative Traffic Flow’s project, Duets of Difference.

In this time of heightened xenophobia and political intolerance, The Duets of Difference project explores how people from different communities with different life experiences can connect in their differences. Students in the Adult Literacy program represent many different ages, ethnicities, and experiences. There were at least 11 different languages spoken in the class. “What Matters to Us” explores differences in family, relationships, and how to communicate as an English Language Learner.

“Duets of Difference: What Matters to Us” is made possible by the generous support of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. The Performance Project is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.