Cameras, projectors, dollies, lights and moving bodies are all in play in Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers‘ newest dance offering, FLESH + MACHINE. Created by WCD’s Artist-in-Residence Danielle Sturk, the full-length dance and video creation will premiere in Winnipeg at the Rachel Browne Theatre from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2017.
“FLESH + MACHINE deconstructs the camera to frame up how we see ourselves and others.” explains Sturk, who is also a well-known filmmaker.
“Within the work, we also look at the politics around the capturing of someone else’s image, consent and objectification. At the same time, we want to be seen, and we want to show ourselves to others,” adds Sturk.
However, as opposed to a commentary on technology, FLESH + MACHINE is a visceral, thought-provoking use of the camera as a tool to capture, see and share.
“The pieces of technology we’re using are decades old, from a time when we could touch and see the moving parts of the machine. In this dance work, we see the moving parts of our bodies in the same terms, parts that make up a whole, exposing the mechanics of the machine as well as our own physicality, our insides, our fleshy parts, the stuff that makes us human,” says Sturk.
“We’re really looking inside the mechanics of looking at other people through different lenses,” she says
Five dancers will interpret the striking work of FLESH + MACHINE: Zorya Arrow, Mark Dela Cruz, Johanna Riley, Ali Robson and Natasha Torres-Garner. They were personally selected by Sturk for their openness and ability to take risks.
“Their ages and levels of experience vary, but there’s a huge sense of artistic maturity in all of them,” explains Sturk.
Dancer Johanna Riley feels the common theme of FLESH + MACHINE is image. “There’s so much more image obsession in today’s society, capturing images, and looking at people’s images,” Riley says.
She believes Sturk has definitely captured the essence of what an Artist-in-Residence is supposed to accomplish.
“What this Artist-in-Residence program is supposed to do is to bring fresh perspectives and fresh approaches, and combinations of people, to our audience,” says Riley.
Showtime is 8 p.m. each night. Tickets to FLESH + MACHINE are $20 student/senior and $29 adult. Buy online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3116531 or call the WCD Box Office at 204-452-0229.
All WCD performances are at the Rachel Browne Theatre, 2nd Floor, 211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg.
WCD’S 2017/18 season
FLESH + MACHINE NOV 30 & DEC 1-2 / 8 p.m.
The World Premiere of Danielle Sturk’s new full evening work created in residence at WCD on dancers Zorya Arrow, Mark Dela Cruz, Johanna Riley, Ali Robson and Natasha Torres-Garner. Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers (WCD) is excited to launch our 2017/2018 season with this production of integrated dance and camera performance. The use of camera manipulation within the dance explores inter-relationships, intimacy and public space.
VERGE FEB 8-9 / 8 p.m.
WCD’s commitment to developing young artists continues as Stephanie Ballard shares her two weeks of research and creation on emerging and professional dancers. Recent graduates and graduating students of the Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers get a jump start to their careers with this exciting initiative.
BEYOND MAY 3-5 / 8 p.m.
The World Premier of WCD’s visiting Artist-in-Residence from Montreal, Jason Martin’s full evening work on a cast of both Montreal and Winnipeg dancers Jasmine Allard, Alexandra Winters, Brianna Ferguson, Brett Owen, Allison Brooks, Charlie Prince (Mtl, Vancouver), and Janelle Hacault (Mtl). This will be a production that carries a voltage, a frenzy, a bestial and instinctive reality, exposing the destructive inhibitions and pressure we put on ourselves in order to define one’s identity and the self-acceptance that comes with it.
The Company
Winnipeg‘s Contemporary Dancers enables vital intersections, linkages and exchange among dance creators, dance interpreters, spectators and communities. Our values, programs, and activities are based on the ongoing development of artists, our place in the community, and respect for our history.
We are an evolving, responsive arts system, which serves as a springboard for advancing the art form through the presentation of new and existing dance work that fosters and advances artistic vitality and excellence in dance.
We create, produce, teach, present and promote professional contemporary dance with a view to furthering the art form for professional artists and audiences alike.
Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Council, and Winnipeg Arts Council for supporting our season. VERGE dancers are made possible through the generous assistance of The Senior Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers.
