Milestone anniversaries of two historic liberations, separated by more than a century—not to mention an ocean—brushed shoulders this year and last: the bicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, followed by the 20th anniversary of the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994. Dancer/choreographer Kyle Abraham, who dedicates his work to “issues of social and historical significance” and “identity in relation to personal history,” takes these turning points as inspiration and source material for The Watershed, the new full-length piece he brings to MASS MoCA this weekend. Hailed as the “best and brightest creative talent to emerge in New York City in the age of Obama,” Abraham was named a MacArthur “genius” fellow last year for his deft and daring, boundary-blurring blend of classical, postmodern and hip-hop influences. The Watershed is set to an equally eclectic score, inspired by Max Roach’s classic We Insist: The Freedom Now Suite of 1963, the 100-year anniversary of Lincoln’s proclamation. This weekend’s performances are co-presented with Jacob’s Pillow, where his company, Abraham.in.Motion, was a sold-out hit of last year’s season.
Oct. 18-19, Hunter Center, MASS MoCA, North Adams, $18-32, 413-662-2111, www.massmoca.org.