The Fruits of Our Labor at Arena Stage (Washington, DC)

As America marks 250 years, Step Afrika! premieres The Fruits of Our Labor—a work that examines what it means to build, to belong, and to believe in a nation still in the making.

Created in collaboration and conversation with Jakari Sherman, Conrad R. Kelly II, and Vusi Mdoyi, The Fruits of Our Labor pushes the boundaries of percussive dance while drawing from traditions that continue to shape Black expression and cultural identity across the diaspora.  Be the first to see this powerful new production exploring rhythm, resilience, and the unfinished story of the American experience.

Runtime is approximately 75–80 minutes with no intermission.

Special Performances

• Divine 9 and Friends Night: Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 pm. Rep your colors and use code DIVINE for $40 tickets.
• Post-Show Discussions: Stay after select performances of The Fruits of Our Labor for a special post-show discussion with Step Afrika! These conversations offer an opportunity to go deeper into the work, explore its themes and artistic process, and hear directly from the artists who brought the production to life. Discussions begin immediately following the performance and are approximately 15 minutes.
  • Thursday, October 8, following the 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm performances

The Fruits of Our Labor is made possible through the extraordinary generosity and visionary support of
Tiffeny Sanchez and Reg Brown, Lead Sponsors of the production and national tour.

 Lead Commissioning Support is provided by ASU Gammage and the Charleston Gaillard Center. Additional Commissioning Support is provided by The Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond; Performing Arts Houston; and the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts.