Marching into March

photo credit: danmerlo.com

All the buzz this week in the Chicago dance scene is about The Seldom’s premiere of Marchland at the MCA (*check out the related clips below).  Artistic Director Carrie Hanson, known for staging her athletic, thought-provoking, timely pieces in unconventional spaces, has hit the collaborating mother load this time sharing her inspiration with a plethora of local artistic talent.   Artist Frasier Taylor — his animation film “Crevice” inspired the piece — provides the film as a backdrop and stepping off point.  Add costumes by Lara Miller, lighting by Julie Ballard, live percussion by Tim Daisy, sound design by Nick O’Brien, set consultation by Joel Huffman, and of course the time, energy and focus of her seemingly fearless group of dancers and Hanson has a strong base set to explore the concept of spatial politics – the designation, negotiation and claiming of space.  The 70-minute Marchland refers to a border region or the threshold between two places and the physical tensions and boundaries that may happen within.  The space in between (the sets, the dancers, the images on the film) is the focus and the set extends out to encompass the audience, bringing a sense of inclusion by breaking the fourth wall.

Rogue Ballerina will sit down with Ms. Hanson for a post-performance interview to get her thoughts on the show and the troupe’s upcoming trip to Russia.  Stay tuned…

Marchland, March 12 – 13 7:30 pm, March 14 3:00 pm

MCA Box Office 312.397.4010, Tickets $25

*TimeOut Chicago

*Chicago Reader

*Chicago Tribune

*Chicago Magazine

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