LEWISTON – Marc Bamuthi Joseph will present his latest full-evening work, Scourge, at the Bates Dance Festival at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29, in Schaeffer Theatre, 365 College St.

Fusing hip-hop, spoken word, dance and live music, Joseph explores the narrow space between history, myth and speculation in a revolutionary look at the tragic history of his native Haiti. Breaking down the boundaries of racism and ignorance to reach a new kind of understanding, Scourge is a collaboration between Joseph, choreographers Rennie Harris and Adia Whitaker and director Kamilah Forbes. These artists, together with the voices and rhythms of three gifted musicians, create what Joseph calls “a theatrical exorcism.”

Joseph is a National Poetry Slam champion, Broadway veteran and a featured artist on the past two HBO seasons of “Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry.”

Tickets are $18/$12 (students and seniors) and may be purchased by phoning 207-786-6161. This performance contains some strong language.

In addition to main stage performances, the festival offers a selection of free and low-cost events. On the Web: http://abacus.bates.edu/dancefest/performseason.php