2023 St. Louis Theater Circle nominations for OUtstanding Production of Opera
“Treemonisha” Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
2023 Bessies Nomination for
Outstanding Performer
Outstanding Revival in
“Mr Tol.E.Rance’
CHampion AT the Met Opera
Assistant Choreographer to Camille A. Brown on her 3rd Opera at the Metropolitan Opera house for Terrance Blanchard new opera “Champion” an operatic retelling of the dramatic story of boxer Emile Griffith arrives in New York. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green stars as the closeted young hatmaker-turned-prizefighter, who rises from obscurity to become world champion and, in one of the great tragedies in sports history, kills his homophobic archrival in the ring.
world premiere of UPROOT: love and legacy
A.I.M by Kyle abraham
Going back home to a company that started my NY dance career as a professional but in a new light. My time creating with the company totaled a year, collaborating with all black males to make a piece of tenderness and care. Thank you to Kyle and the entire organization for the support, love, and encouragement to create something that will change my trajectory of my life as a creator.
NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW The program has new offerings too, including “Uproot: love and legacy,” a work for five dancers by the former company member Maleek Washington to live music by the composers KAMAUU and Kwinton Gray. A meditative journey through relationships and love triangles with a blossoming tree standing on one side of the stage — scenic design is by Lee Beard — the work showcases romance in silent stories that sprout and droop like flowers. But however lushly it connected to the music, “Uproot” swooned along in a similar way.
Factotum at the Chicago lyric
Had the esteem privilege to Choreograph my first opera with Grammy award winner Will Liverman, DJ King Rico and Director Rajendra Maharaja at the Chicago Lyric
“a new work inspired by Rossini's The Barber of Seville that has grown into a joyful, original piece all its own, commissioned by Lyric. Updating the action to a Black barbershop on Chicago's South Side, this gifted duo has created an irresistibly upbeat work that celebrates the strength of community. The Factotum blends diverse musical styles with boundless imagination to create a soul opera, moving from gospel and funk to rap, hip-hop, classic barbershop quartet, and R&B. Those styles connect brilliantly with classical singing in a very human comedy that redefines everything that opera can be.”
Chicago Reader Review “The movement is just as dynamic as the singing; in an early scene, there is a dance interpretation of the great “Jordan vs. LeBron” debate that is downright hilarious.’
News WTTW Review “Conceived and scored by Will Liverman (the young operatic baritone), and DJ King Rico (a true DJ and recording artist), its book is the work of both those men in collaboration with director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj. The opera has been brought to life with exuberant choreography by Maleek Washington, a terrific orchestra conducted by Kedrick Armstrong and a cast that is street-wise in its characterizations and intensely operatic in its vocal work”
2022 Princess Grace Award Winner
Its with great gratification to announce I’m the winner of the 2022 Princess Grace Award for Choreography with my nomination coming from Kyle Abraham Artistic director of A.I.MbyKyleAbrham
Fresh Tracks 21/22 Cohort
I was awarded a grant by New York Live Arts (NYLA) to create a new work in Collaboration with KAMAUU, Kwinton Grey, and Alex Ustach that was performed in New York City at NYLA in May of 2022.
BIG NAS
Had the opportunity to choreograph for Nasir John also known as “Nas” in his MasterClass music named “BIG NAS”
The Bessies Award 2021
I would like to thank the panel of the Bessies for my Nomination for ‘Outstanding Breakout Choreographer”. This is the first nomination in my career and im humbled to be seen by my community.
“Fire Shut Up In My Bones”
I had the immense pleasure of being the assistant choreographer on a groundbreaking Opera through the lens and ears of black creatives. I was also being able to shine on stage as a performer the artist I shared the stage with were a family.
Not an a easy task but one that is shaping a well rounded future in theater.
For Colored Girls
“For The First Time In 65 Years, Camille A. Brown Will Be The First Black Woman To Direct And Choreograph A Broadway Show”
I’m excited to make my broadway debut as ASSOCIATE Choregrapher to the amazing Camille A. Brown.
Camille A. Brown & Dancers
"ink"
"Sleep No More" at The McKittrick Hotel
"Washington is a captivating performer, a formidable dancer who is also capable of carefully modulated expressions. In a tender duet with Butler, he ended standing over her as she lay on the ground, his stance and his face signaling a split within himself: threatening and protective at the same time."
Creation of "Pavement" at Mancc
Jacobs Pillow Alumni
"Washington is commanding and edgy, while still incorporating his smoothness and gallantry into the choreography."
CityDance Ensemble-The Embassy of Finland
T.O.E.S for Dance
"Miyesha McGriff shared some graceful moments with her partner (Maleek Washington) as they fluidly executed a series of balances and falls."
Wylliams Henry Contemporary Dance Company
Refinery 29 "30 Under 30 NYC"
Loni Landon Projects