John Henry is the tale of the steel drivin’ man who fights against automation. He challenges the steam drill and wins, but dies with his hammer in his hand. Choreographed by DTH Co-founder Arthur Mitchell in 1988, his ballet is a testament to the singular perseverance that allowed the folk hero to triumph over impossible odds.
”John Henry’ was created at the request of Martin Segal, the founder and chairman of the First New York International Festival of the Arts,’‘ founder Arthur Mitchell said. ”He asked me to put together an American program.”
John Henry- Dance Theatre of Harlem
