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ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
In 1973, Idris Ackamoor & Cultural Odyssey was founded by the world renown director, producer, dancer, actor and prolific jazz composer, Idris Ackamoor. Over 50 years ago, he started social activism on behalf of the rights of musicians, advocating for heath care access, self publishing and other support resources. He felt that musicians should be enabled to survive as working artists in San Francisco. Since that time, he has continued a lifetime of advocacy for all artists and their individual sustainability.
As Executive Director, Ackamoor was inspired by playwright August Wilson to help rescue Black theater by forming a Technical Assistance, Fiscal Sponsorship, and funding program entitled, The African American Theater Alliance for Independence (AATAIN). Since its inception, AATAIN has supported numerous theaters to continue and survive, administering over $3 million in support.
Most recently, Ackamoor has pioneered an unprecedented Arts Education curriculum that helps artists learn about economic survival in the industry. The program, "Don't Drop Dead on Stage" increases access to important information that is vital in the arts industry for both artists and arts administrators.
Currently, Ackamoor's latest album, "Afro-Futuristic Dreams" was listed as one of the Best Albums of 2023 by Downbeat. To read more about his historic works, click here.
THE IDRIS ACKAMOOR & CULTURL ODYSSEY STORY
FROM AFRICAN ROOTS TO "ARTISTIC BEINGNESS"
On a chilly, brisk 1979 night, in San Francisco's North Beach, the Savoy Tivoli nightclub was the site of an exciting performance art double bill. "The Beginning of the Second Earth" was the very first production of Cultural Odyssey, featuring founder Idris Ackamoor, in a solo performance utilizing jazz, costumes, slides, and pre-recorded tapes. The other half of the bill featured a wild performance by Rhodessa Jones and musician Harry Mann in an adaptation of Toni Cade Bambara's, "Gorilla, My Love." This was the first time Rhodessa and Idris met - in the theater!
At that time in 1979, Rhodessa's house was a gathering place for artists. Idris Ackamoor began showing up and participating in artistic soirees and conversations. Rhodessa was fascinated and impressed by the artistic concept Idris had for his company Idris Ackamoor & Cultural Odyssey.
Idris talked about his senior year in college where he traveled and lived in Africa for a year studying the music and performing arts of the mother continent. He and his wife Margaux loved how the African artists that they came in contact with were interdisciplinary, -- combining music, dance and theater. In addition, they were impressed by the commitment these artists had to serving their community. They returned to America fired up with passion, energy, and creativity.
Idris formed a non-profit performing arts organization in 1979 that was artist-centered and reflected the precepts of interdisciplinary performance, integrating community involvement. This was also inspired by his mother's activism in the Chicago Civil Rights Movement and his journeys within the jungles of Africa.
In 1983, Rhodessa joined the company. Jones & Ackamoor began a professional and personal (romantic) relationship. Idris advised Rhodessa to “Quit her day job!” Soon after, the couple departed for the first of many European sojourns where they refined their unique performance duets combining music, dance and theater. Returning to America, their reputation grew and the ground was laid for the further development of Cultural Odyssey.
35 years later, Idris Ackamoor & Cultural Odyssey continues to circle the globe refining and defining the concepts of an artist run, artist-centered organization. As the years passed, Jones & Ackamoor became known for artistic excellence locally, nationally and internationally. Little did they expect that they would eventually embark upon 7 years of work in South Africa through the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Although no longer a romantic couple, Jones & Ackamoor continue to work together, honoring their early years of commitment with longstanding trust, reliability, and personal friendship.
With world-class collaborations with artists of the stature of movie star Danny Glover (Underground Jazz Cabaret 2024), dancer/choreographer Bill T, Jones, (Perfect Courage 1990), writer Ed Bullins (I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine 1989), and writer Pearl Cleage (The Love Project 2010), Jones & Ackamoor have established themselves as two of the country's leading African American performing artists. And, Idris Ackamoor & Cultural Odyssey has grown into an important pillar in the arts community!
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