Compagnie Jant-Bi

Fri/7-Sat/8, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater

IN RECENT MONTHS, films like Hotel Rwanda and HBO's Sometimes in April have illuminated the horrors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide – and the truth about how Western countries and United Nations peacekeeping troops stood by as 800,000 people were murdered in just 100 days. This shocking, tragic chapter in human history is explored further in Fagaala ("genocide" in Wolof, the Senegalese language), a landmark work cocreated by choreographer and contemporary African dance ambassador Germaine Acogny. Her Compagnie Jant-Bi makes its first San Francisco appearance with this piece, which was inspired by a fact-based work of fiction, The Book of Bones, and which is performed by seven male dancers under the direction of Acogny and Butoh-trained Kota Yamazaki. Despite its sobering subject matter, the piece has been praised by critics worldwide for its power, grace, and ultimately hopeful message. Following the Fri/7 performance, Bay Guardian dance critic Rita Felciano moderates a discussion about the work. 8 p.m., 700 Howard, SF. $14-$25. (415) 978-ARTS, www.ybca.org. (Cheryl Eddy)