For Once!
“Finding the love of my love through the love for my life”
by
Dr. Angel- Jehbreal Muhammad Jackson
in collaboration with
Ryan Charles-Marc
"For Once!" Is an experimental story ballet that explores my relationships with my Black trans identity and masculinity through duets with 3 pivotal masculine love figures in my life...
1. My first love
2. My worst love
3. And my Dad
For Once! premiered Nov 4, 2026 as a part of Judson Arts Weekly Notes Towards series and was presented in partnership with Black Trans Liberation Kitchen. Judson Arts Weekly is presented by Judson Commons in partnership with Judson Memorial Church. Notes Towards is curated by Judson Arts Weekly’s Program Manager, Arien Wilkerson, and is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation and administered by LMCC.
Creative Team
Concept, Choreographer, & Performer: Dr. Angel- Jehbreal Muhammad Jackson
Co-Choreographer, Composer of Curtain Call Music, & Performer: Ryan Charles-Marc
Executive Producers: Arien Wilkerson & Qween Jean
Producer, Stage Manager, & Intimacy coordinator: Nio Levon
Lighting Design: Arien Wilkerson & Margot Mae
Curtain Call Commentator: Jinx 007
Videographer: Gatekeeper Gigi
Music
Intro: “For Once in My Life”
Performed by Stevie Wonder
Songwriters: Ron Miller and Orlando Murden (1965)
[Originally for Motown]
Produced By Henry Cosby, Don Hunter, and Stevie Wonder (marking his debut as a co-producer)
Original Album Release: 1968
Version A The Ideal… (ized?): “For Once in My Life”
Performed by Nancy Wilson
Songwriters: Ron Miller (lyrics) and Orlando Murden (music) (1965)
[Originally for Motown]
Arranger & Conductor: Oliver Nelson
Produced By David Cavanaugh
Original Album Release: Welcome to My Love (1968)
Version C My First Love: “Come Over”
Performed by Aaliyah ft. Tank
Chopped & Screwed Version by DJ Drobitussin
Songwriters: Johntá Austin, Bryan-Michael Cox, Kevin Hicks, and Phalon "Jazze Pha" AlexanderProduced By David Cavanaugh
Produceers: Bryan-Michael Cox, Kevin Hicks, and Jazze Pha
Included in Posthumous Album Release: I Care 4 U (2002)
Officially Released as a Single: (2003)
Version B My Worst Love: “Occlusion”
Performed and Composed by Rafiq Bhatia and Chris Pattishall
EP: “Each Dream, A Melting Door” (2025)
Version D: “For All We Know”
Performed by Donny Hathaway
Songwriters: J. Fred Coots (music) and Sam M. Lewis (lyrics) (1934)
Produced By Joel Dorn and Arif Mardin
Original Album Release: Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (1972)