The Express Way with Dulé Hill, May 7, 2024, PBS, “Texas”

The acclaimed actor, dancer, and singer, Dulé Hill, takes his documentary series, The Expressway, to Texas, for a profound exploration of art and community in an episode that airs tonight. This instalment showcases three diverse artists, each with a unique vision, who are using their creativity to break down barriers, foster connections, and transform their communities.

In this latest offering from the series, Hill travels across Texas, visiting Houston, Dallas, and Denton, to meet and engage with artists who are utilising their creative talents to drive positive change. The episode provides an intimate and illuminating glimpse into the lives of these individuals, highlighting the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds.

We are introduced to the inspiring Abuela M’api Rainflowa, founder of Houston Aztec Dance & Drum. Rainflowa, on a journey of self-discovery, explores her indigenous roots and shares her cultural knowledge with Hill, teaching him the sacred Mexica handshake and the profound Aztec Sun Dance. Hill also joins Rainflowa in a sweat lodge ceremony, looking into the spiritual foundations of indigenous practices and experiencing their enduring significance.

The episode continues in Dallas, where Hill meets David Lozano, the executive director of Cara Mía Theatre. Cara Mía fearlessly amplifies the Latino experience in the United States through bold and daring theatrical productions. Hill learns about the power of representation and the impact of sharing personal stories, as he discovers the theatre’s production of a one-woman play by Liz Magallanes, an undocumented immigrant, courageously sharing her “dreamer” experience.

The journey then takes Hill to Denton, where he encounters John Bramblitt, a painter with an extraordinary story. Having lost his vision in 2001, Bramblitt re-taught himself to paint by touch, demonstrating an unwavering determination to continue his artistic practice. Bramblitt now leads workshops at renowned museums, including the Guggenheim, empowering others with blindness to reclaim their artistic abilities and offering a powerful message of resilience.

The Expressway with Dulé Hill is more than just a documentary series—it is a celebration of the universal language of art and its capacity to illuminate the human experience. Hill, with his own rich background in the arts, brings a unique perspective to the series, engaging with individuals who embody the transformative power of creative expression.

Tune in to The Express Way with Dulé Hill on PBS at 9.00 pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.