David Roussève is deservedly considered something of a legend in American Dance Theater, and he is celebrating his 40th Anniversary with his full-length first solo piece in 20 years, BECOMING DADDY AF. It’s an intimate theatrical meditation on life’s purpose and the very meaning of love, and when he spoke with Queerguru, we quickly realized it is a subject very dear to his heart.

Roussève shares his journey as a gay African-American with both humility and humour. Like strands of DNA, it connects elements encoded in his body, including 600 years of genealogy (with strands from France, Portugal Germany, Mali, Senegal, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba), a roller coaster journey with HIV, and the shattering loss of a husband of 26 years—while revisiting movement from 35 years of dance-making to explore the meaning of virtuosity for a 64-year-old body.

It’s a very compelling story that he draws you into his fascinating life with all its ups and downs ….. and without a single regret. It’s a life well lived.

Becoming Daddy AF will have its world premiere at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh PA from September 26-27, followed by the Los Angeles premiere at UCLA’s Center for Art of Performance from October 17-18, 20