The three-week NOW Festival launches with a program of three works that are founded in movement, but varied in their approaches. Mason's Hip-hop moves and spoken word, Luyten and Alker's precise and poetic dance-theater, and a new dance from Tijuana-based Lux Boreal.

Elke Luyten and Kira Alker: A Little of More

In a piece that draws on the purifying Shaker rituals of trembling, dancing, singing and shaking, Luyten and Alker (with artistic advisor Thomas Leabhart) create a richly detailed work of individual struggle and metaphysical transcendence. Interweaving story, hymn and the deeply embodied movement theater traditions of Étienne Decroux, they create a work that is spare, elemental and, at its core, universal.

Lux Boreal Danza Contemporánea: Natural Breakdown

Through fierce dancing and elegant imagery, the Tijuana-based company led by Angel Arambula and Henry Torres has quickly made its mark at festivals throughout Latin America. Their latest project builds on their distinctive repertoire—work that is sharp, urban, exciting and that "hypnotizes the viewer with its force and determination." (Noroeste).

"Combining contemporary dance, social awareness and Mexican culture to thrilling effect." San Diego Union Tribune

Rodney Mason: My Mother's Son

A hip-hop theater blend of spoken word, dance and humorous video examines Mason's early life in the South Philadelphia projects, his struggles with a family curse and the consuming world of Hollywood. The Bessie Award-winning artist's follow-up to Origins of Man introduces B-boy "Duck Butt Baby" and rapper Gansta Pimple, along with a sideshow lineup of Mason's family members.

"An eloquent poet of word and movement, a hip-hop character fluid, furious and always true to the beat." New York Dance and Performance Awards