MOVEMENT - Philadelphia Fringe Festival

MOVEMENT

Sherman Fleming

Art for Young Audiences, Dance, Performance Art, Solo Show, Storytelling & Spoken Word

Marking 40+ years of artmaking Sherman Fleming presents an evocative performance action that captures the essence of struggle and determination in MOVEMENT. Fleming poses as the central figure balancing himself on a tree stump fashioned to resemble an enslaved auction block. As he moves imperceptively from kneeling to standing he is surrounded by a projected montage of vintage footage, captured speeches and texts by those who have struggled and continue to struggle against racial and social injustice. The tree stump serves as a stark reminder of history, connecting the past and present in an intricate tapestry of resistance. This artwork captures the essence of MOVEMENT, illustrating not just a moment of performance, but a continuous lineage of courage, defiance, and the enduring fight for equity, all expressed through the grace and wisdom of an aging body that stands firm against adversity.

Details

Run Time: 140 mins

Ticket Price: FREE

Venue: The 6th Floor

Dates: September 12, 2026

Buy Tickets

September 12, 2026 1.00pm

Philadelphia Business & Technology Center

5070 Parkside Avenue, Suite #2400

General Admission: FREE

About the Artist

Sherman Fleming is a visual and performance artist who has created singular and collaborative projects since 1978. Known chiefly for his performance practice Fleming has also helped to support other artists to realize their dreams as assistant director for Montpelier Cultural Art Center, Laurel, Maryland, and as Program Manager for Mural Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fleming taught art and art history at Washington International School as well as Performance Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. In 2013 Fleming was awarded an Individual Artist Grant by Franklin Furnace Fund and in 2018 was selected artist-in-residence for the African American Museum in Philadelphia Art and Social Justice Initiative in partnership with Rush Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2023 Fleming was awarded a Philadelphia Cultural Treasures grant. In 2025 Fleming was awarded Artist-in-Residence for the Emily Harvey Foundation, Venice, Italy.

Accessibility & Content Considerations

Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.

This event is appropriate for all ages

Strobe/Flashing Lights

Warning: MOVEMENT content may contain systems of oppression.

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require masks to be worn