Dance

Inspired by postmodern visual artist Yves Klein, Into the Void mixes visual arts, drag performance and precise choreography performed by 5 dancers to evoke the complex gender politics of Klein’s work. Juxtaposing ornate materials with open spaces and transparent fabrics, the stage environment and materials mimic Klein’s artistic ideals as re-envisioned by a creative team including Michael Cepress (costume design), Kane Mathis (music), Susan Robb (sculpture), Tivon Rice (digital media) and Connie Yun (lighting).

An angry puppet propels the action in this Frankenstein-esque tale from choreographer and OtB audience favorite Crystal Pite. Pite’s most ambitious work of the time features a heightened set, theatrical tricks and 7 talented dancers hand selected from around the world. Dark Matters has toured widely across Europe, including the prestigious Venice Biennale.

Faith is the first performance in Seattle choreographer Pat Graney’s Faith Triptych. Combining 3 iconic performances that investigate the lives of women and that were created over the span of a decade (1991-2001), the triptych creates a mini retrospective of Graney’s work. Faith (1991), Sleep (1997)  and Tattoo (2001) were each originally commissioned by On the Boards and feature 12 of the original cast members.

Sleep is the second performance in Seattle choreographer Pat Graney’s Faith Triptych. Combining 3 iconic performances that investigate the lives of women and that were created over the span of a decade (1991-2001), the triptych creates a mini retrospective of Graney’s work. Faith (1991), Sleep (1997) and Tattoo (2001) were each originally commissioned by On the Boards and feature 12 of the original cast members.

Tattoo is the third performance in Seattle choreographer Pat Graney’s Faith Triptych. Combining 3 iconic performances that investigate the lives of women and that were created over the span of a decade (1991-2001), the triptych creates a mini retrospective of Graney’s work. Faith (1991), Sleep (1997) and Tattoo (2001) were each originally commissioned by On the Boards and feature 12 of the original cast members.

A multimedia performance including film, live narration and dance, How Can You Stay in the House All Day and Not Go Anywhere? explores loss and transcendence experienced in human partnerships. Reflecting on his relationship with 102-year-old former sharecropper, carpenter and gardener Walter Carter as well as Andrei Tarkovsky’s science fiction classic, Solaris, Lemon and 6 dancers create a performance which arcs from turbulent physicality to restorative grace.

A modernist cabinet of curiosities becomes the grounds for a work created by l’enfant terrible Christian Rizzo and inspired by famed European dancer Julie Guibert. Rizzo manipulates the sleek stage as Guibert performs stylized gestures that explore the harnessed energy of a dancer and the 16th century sculpture, The Nymph of Fontainebleau. Featuring lighting designer Caty Olive and original music by Gerome Nox.

Integrating live music and vocal work into dance, Heaven is a collaboration between choreographer Morgan Thorson and musicians Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker of the indie band Low. Heaven considers each of its participants equally in solo, duet and choral arrangements to evoke an emotional and physical ecstasy more commonly associated with religious practice. Formed in 1993, Low has garnered a worldwide cult following for their minimalist soundscapes and achingly beautiful harmonies. 

Named after a place that everyone knows but no one has been, Alaska is a sensual dance theater portrayal of memory. Choreographer Diana Szeinblum uses dark humor, extreme physicality, original music and a minimal set to create a beautiful spectacle that gravitates between uneasy stillness and violent frenzy.

construct, the final project by the late Australian choreographer Tanja Liedtke is a tongue-in-cheek look at the act of making performance and the connection to building a home, a relationship and a life. In a charged theatrical setting, 3 highly-skilled dancers depict a strange love triangle with simple props, sound by DJ TR!P and breakneck movement. After performing with DV8 in the UK and Australian Dance Theatre, the 29-year-old Liedtke was appointed the coveted position of artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company in 2007 before her death later that year.