In 2016, Leading hip-hop artist, film maker, 2013 Pew Fellow, 2014 Guggenheim Fellow, 2014 United States Artist Fellow and Breaking Hall of Fame inductee Raphael Xavier, brought together masterful street performers, extreme BMX riders, acrobatic contortionists, and live music for Raphstravaganza: An Urban Kinetic Experience, a contemporary circus-style performance in City Hall’s courtyard. Original compositions by saxophonist, composer, and 1996 Pew Fellow Bobby Zankel acted as musical composer for the urban styles that Xavier says “profoundly influenced my life during childhood and have shaped the artist I am today.” Performers included Bill Shannon, a choreographer, dancer, and Guggenheim Fellow known as Crutch Master who has choreographed for Cirque Du Soleil; James ‘Cricket’ Colter a founding member of the world renown, Rennie Harris Puremovment, top professional BMX rider Pete Brandt and gravity defying slack liner, Martin Hernandez. A set of four, 25 minute choreographed performances were structured throughout the courtyard space and paid tribute to the soul of the city, inviting discovery of urban street dance and movement.

“I had the idea of bringing together all the (street) performers in the city to one space so you don’t have to walk from City Hall to the subway station to Rittenhouse Square,” Xavier said. “Now you can see them all at one spot and from around the world!” ~Raphael Xavier

“I love this because it shows you’re never too old to do what you loved doing as a kid,” ~Raph Xavier

Cast and Credits

Written and Produced by
Raphael Xavier

Producers
Jos Duncan Asé
Paolo Pilladi

Choreographed by
Mourad Merzouki

Set Design by
James Dupree
Morgan Repasy

Raphaella’s
Black Hudson
Maddie Church

Dancers
Phil Cutino
Bryant Lee
David Heller
Haylee Warner
Harley Trautman
Siri Lindskrog
Pamela Heatherington

Poet/Voice
Shar’ifa Malik

Poetry written by
Raphael Xavier

BMX Rider
Pete Brandt

Crutch Master
Bill Shannon

Tails
James P. Colter

Slack line
Martin Hernandez

Sound
Nu Millennium Media Productions

Vendors
Wawa
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Say it with Clay
Nestle

Caterer
TK Kyle
D. Sabela Grimes
Gianfranco’s Pizzaria

RAPHSTRAVAGANZA Art/designs
Anne Lambelet Illustration

RAPHSTRAVAGANZA was funded by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Poor Richard’s Charitable Trusts and W.O.R.X. (Works of Raphael Xavier)