Directed by Amadi ‘Baye’ Washington and Sam ‘Asa’ Pratt, Baye & Asa is a company creating movement art projects. The duo met when they were six years old––their long friendship giving them the freedom and safety to constantly disagree and expand each other’s artistic capacity. Their brotherhood nourishes the evolution of their work and the physical aggression in their choreography is a representation of their political rage and a yearning to personally implicate themselves. Hip-hop and African dance languages are the foundation of their technique. With it, they build theatrical metaphors, interrogate systemic inequities and contemporize ancient allegories.

Coming to The Clarice in 2022-23 is the duo’s new work HotHouse. ​​HotHouse is a commentary on confinement, a dance/theater performance, a durational installation and an exploration of how our failed response to COVID-19 has unmasked the greater systemic failures of America. It interrogates how and why inequities that predated the pandemic–in healthcare, housing, education, incarceration–erupted at the center of our political discourse.

This event is part of the Visiting Artist Series. The Clarice's Visiting Artist Series features regional, national and international artists who visit the University of Maryland for performances and other activities. Beyond the inspiring work these artists bring to the stage, they are also committed to extensive engagement that creates exciting connections with students and the community.

This performance is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

Health + Safety

Patrons attending University of Maryland arts events are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. We continue to encourage audiences to wear a mask and stay current with vaccinations and boosters. Please see our Health & Safety information page for information about what to expect during your visit.