An underground passageway. Projections of clouds and hearth splitting the stage in half with a staircase main as much as the rafters. The stage was set for a thought-provoking efficiency by the reSET All Stars. This efficiency introduced collectively dance and theater communities to have fun the vibrancy of the Seattle arts group. In its tenth yr, Washington Ensemble Theatre’s reSET program invitations choreographers to make new works on the set of The Ensemble’s performs after the play’s run. With the Cowboy with Questions set designed by Trevor Cushman within the intimate twelfth Avenue theatre area, the artists immersed us in a night stuffed with dance, theatre, drag, and humor. The “all star” version invited earlier individuals to work with a brand new set, and week two featured Fox Whitney, Mark Haim, Angel Aguayo, and Cherdonna Shinatra. This present made me take into consideration the ability or artwork, the way it gives an area for many who really feel unvoiced, and a spot of empowerment to stay one’s fact. These choreographers unpacked concepts of spectacle, id, queerness, and perspective.
The Descent, choreographed by Fox Whitney, was a journey of perspective and proximity. As the theater darkened, closely saturated blue mild silhouetted the upstairs part of the set. Filling with the shadows of eight dancers’ arms and ft shifting in a fluid or staccato sample, the performers felt shut and much away concurrently. As the title of this piece suggests, the dancers slithered down the steps one after the other entwining themselves throughout the staircase and one another, accumulating within the decrease stage of the efficiency area. A person with a digital camera (Fox Whitney) hovered by, capturing the performers with steady clicks and flashes. When he first appeared, I puzzled why the photographer was taking footage on stage. Why is his digital camera flash on? Why is he sporting sun shades? As the dancers transitioned into mimicking Whitney’s actions I noticed he was part of the efficiency. Whether the performers’ our bodies have been entwined, hanging from the ladder connecting the higher and decrease ranges of the set, or clinging to the railing beside my seat, their actions transcended the confines of the proscenium stage and introduced the efficiency up shut and private to the viewers.
Way Out within the Water, by Cherdonna Shinatra, was an expertise that absolutely immersed the viewer. Beginning the piece in silence with solely wind-up toys and her mouthing dialogue to us, we have been pressured to lean in and concentrate to be able to work together together with her. With spectacle as her automobile of selection, Shinatra emerged in a bedazzled lopsided mouth-shaped costume with large pink lips and partially uncovered enamel. Her theatrical presence blended with the angular boundness of her motion to create a dynamic and complicated efficiency. She ripped off her costume to disclose gold tasseled pasties because the viewers cheered in help. Shinatra confirmed pleasure within the undress however unease in her facial features whereas doing it. Twisting, contorting, and throwing her physique throughout the stage, Shinatra got here undone from the demure persona she had begun with. Tired of performing for the viewers, her focus turned inner and her actions extra grounded and off steadiness. Even amid her unraveling, she created humorous moments: kicking picket posts of the set and hanging from rafters. Speaking for the primary time, she exited the stage to the rambunctious hoots and hollers of the viewers.
I Forgive You by Mark Haim modified all the environment of the efficiency area. In silence, the lights progressively revealed the eight dancers’ our bodies sprawled face down throughout the ground as if that they had simply landed from an excellent fall. The dancers strained to achieve their ft as if it took each ounce of their vitality. The choreography of the piece was minimal, with the motion of the dancers stretching their arms towards the sky taking all the period of the piece. The dancer’s execution of the motion, together with the expansive orchestral and chant-like soundscape, gave context to the world of this piece. It felt just like the dancers had simply survived a traumatic occasion with their glazed downward expressions and avoidance of eye contact with one another and the viewers. As rigidity rose via the soundscape, reduction was discovered within the rhythmical play of Buffy Sato and Hendri Wa, who appeared above the set in silhouette, taking part in a hand-game-like duet. As the 2 clapped and stomped in unison a sense of peace came to visit the theatre. This work by Haim confirmed how a traumatic occasion can change somebody, but in addition that it doesn’t at all times final. And when part of a group, pleasure comes within the morning.
Cabeza Nomada, created and carried out by Angel Aguayo, navigated the complexities of id and queerness. It felt like we have been trying into the intimate moments of the dancer’s secure area–maybe a childhood bed room or drag efficiency night time. Free to precise themselves via music and style, the dancer lip-sung with wild abandon and carried out for the viewers as if we have been a promote out crowd on their first solo tour. Interrupting knocks on the door and journal entry-like voice-overs used all through the efficiency shifted not solely the demeanor of the dancer but in addition confirmed the elements of their life, reminiscent of their name heart job and household, that hid or ignored their queer id. The juxtaposition between the performer’s freedom of their secure area and the conformity wanted to outlive safely on this planet displays the expertise of many queer of us all through time. Navigating feelings of pleasure, sorrow, and hope, Angel’s work personifies the choice-making queer-identifying individuals have to barter. Deciding whether or not being themselves might be supported or shamed. But amid the storm, the willpower to stay trustworthy to oneself with unapologetic boldness reveals not solely the power of the performer on this piece however the world struggle of queer of us to exist and stay their fact.
Washington Ensemble Theatre‘s reSET All Stars ran September 19-27 at 12th Ave Arts mainstage. The second weekend lineup was reviewed. Featured photo of Fox Whitney’s work. Photo by Erin O’Reilly.