Florida State University professor Jawole Willa Jo Zollar has received two major honors in the performing arts within a single weekend. Zollar, who is known for her work as a performer, choreographer, and founder of Urban Bush Women, accepted an Obie Theater Grant Award on behalf of her company on January 31. The following evening, the opera “Intelligence,” which she directed and choreographed, won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.
“When the two awards were announced back-to-back, I was just beside myself,” Zollar said. “It was pretty incredible.”
The Obie Awards recognized Urban Bush Women’s four decades of work highlighting the experiences of Black women and the African diaspora. Founded by Zollar in 1984, the Brooklyn-based ensemble combines history and social commentary with community engagement through its performances.
The opera “Intelligence” was created with librettist Gene Scheer and composer Jake Heggie. It tells the story of Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman, and Elizabeth Van Lew, a secret abolitionist in Richmond, Virginia. Together they formed a spy ring for the Union during the Civil War.
“I think as an artist you must be really committed to a point of view and committed to your work,” Zollar said. “That point of view can live across many kinds of genres.”
Several FSU School of Dance alumni contributed to “Intelligence.” Vincent Thomas served as assistant choreographer; Cheri Stokes coordinated; Mikaila Ware, Loren Davidson, and Kentoria Earle performed as dancers.
The Obies are awarded by the American Theatre Wing to honor excellence in Off-Broadway and non-profit theater. This year’s citation highlighted Urban Bush Women’s commitment to innovative storytelling through movement.
Zollar uses these professional achievements as teaching tools at Florida State University. She encourages students to pursue growth beyond their comfort zones: “The road to extraordinary has many stops,” she said. “First you become competent, then good, then very good, then excellent and then extraordinary. But the student decides where they stop by the work they put in. It’s not comfortable to step outside of what you already know, but it is the place of growth.”
Zollar was named FSU’s Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor for 2011-2012—the university’s highest faculty honor.
James Frazier, dean of FSU’s College of Fine Arts, commented on Zollar’s recent recognition: “Jawole Zollar continues to explore, challenge and inspire through her artistry, embracing ever more ambitious creative endeavors across a career defined by sustained excellence,” he said. “The recent honors awarded to Urban Bush Women and to the Houston Grand Opera stand not as isolated achievements but as a powerful affirmation of Professor Zollar’s enduring legacy and her continued contemporary relevance as an artist and collaborator of the highest caliber.”
These awards come shortly after another achievement for FSU’s department: associate professor nia love received a Bessie Award for Outstanding Choreographer/Creator.
For more information about Florida State University’s School of Dance programs or news updates about faculty accomplishments visit dance.fsu.edu.
