‘Pavement’ by Kyle Abraham at UCSB

Eric Williams and Rena Butler in Kyle Abraham’s “Pavement,” which had its world premiere in Campbell Hall at UC-Santa Barbara.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Jeremy “Jae” Neal, foreground, and Maleek Washington in Kyle Abraham’s “Pavement.”   (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

A meditation of street life and social breakdown, “Pavement” features creator Kyle Abraham, left, Eric Williams and Rena Butler.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Chalvar Monteiro, from left, Eric Williams and Rena Butler in “Pavement.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Rena Butler and Maleek Washington in “Pavement.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Choreographer Kyle Abraham and Maleek Washington in “Pavement,” which is set on a basketball court and inspired by the 1991 movie “Boyz N the Hood.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Eric Williams, left, and Kyle Abraham in “Pavement.”   (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Eric Williams, left, and Kyle Abraham in “Pavement.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Chalvar Monteiro, foreground, and Rena Butler in “Pavement.”   (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Rena Butler in Kyle Abraham’s “Pavement.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)