Reverence for the past and hope for the future drive the thrilling, sometimes ecstatic “Supreme Love,” presented by Tapman Productions and performed by M.A.D.D. Rhythms. Thankfully, that earnestness never interferes with the fun — in fact, it powers the joy.
Running through Sept. 20 in an Athenaeum studio theater, “Supreme Love” is a paean to the traditions of Africa that excludes no one. Dancers, musicians and audience alike are an integrated bunch, and a Mos Def track samples Malcolm X’s uncharacteristic call to revolution: “I don’t care what color you are, as long as you want to change this miserable condition that exists on this earth.”
Music of many kinds saturates M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ 50th anniversary celebration of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” A four-piece jazz quartet, brilliantly led by saxophonist Rajiv Halim, covers the album; hip-hop recordings pay their respects to African forms, especially Afrobeat; and eight rhythm tappers, including choreographer Jumaane Taylor, attain the power of 16 feet pounding in unison — yet the dancers also get the chance to show their stuff solo.
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Though “Supreme Love” can be loud, neither music nor tapping ever drowns out the other. On this small stage, the result is an irresistibly intimate look at both art forms.
Honoring the traditions of African dance, Taylor pays homage to the earth and the ancestors, creates call-and-response segments, and insists on live music. African forms emphasize continuity and community, not only between musicians and dancers but among the dancers. Here, a traditional inward-facing circle later faces out; for the finale, M.A.D.D. Rhythms director and dancer Bril Barrett invites audience members onstage. Totally optional, fortunately: On Saturday, those folks were good.
The show’s weak point is its flimsy narrative: The dancers apparently expire and are reborn near the end. Interstitial, semi-acted sections are inconclusive. But give the dancers the chance to tap, and they’re eloquent equals to the eccentricity, nuance, vehemence, randomness and swing of Coltrane’s music.
Taylor’s huge dynamic range runs from feather-light to crushing weight; visually, he’s a subtle delight, his swaying torso accenting the rhythms of feet tapping almost imperceptibly. Neat, sly Donnetta Jackson stops on a dime to create an electric micro-second, staring us down. Barrett is like the loudest thunderstorm you’ve ever heard, while his sister, Starinah Dixon, can be a beast — or the delicate receptacle of some dark grief.
Creative footwork and a restrained presence mark Tapman Productions’ Tristan Bruns, who boasts amazing clarity and focus. Boston-based Ian Berg astounds as usual, snatching power and nuance from the jaws of an almost alarming looseness. Two adorable and talented youngsters, Alexandrya Fryson and the even younger Andrew Carr, point the way to the future of tap.
Laura Molzahn is a freelance critic.
“Supreme Love” — 3.5 stars
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (no performance Sept. 6), through Sept. 20
Where: Athenaeum Theatre, Studio 2, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
Running time: 1 hour
Tickets: $25 at 773-935-6875 or athenaeumtheatre.org