Theater & Dance Performance Project

The Amherst College Department of Theater and Dance is proud to present Performance Project, an evening of original dance and theater works created by Five College students as part of their work in "Performance Studio," taught by Visiting Resident Artist Peter B. Schmitz. Lighting design by students in Lighting Design taught by Resident Lighting Designer Kathy Couch.

The performance features a variety of pieces, including "Body Haunt," choreographed by Alexandra Leite (HC), which explores the impact of body-shaming in performance dance. The piece engages the audience to reflect on how they are watching (and judging) the bodies that are on stage. The dancers are in a battle with their own destructive thoughts that evolve and manifest physically throughout the course of the dance.

Daphne Thompson’s (AC) "the stuff of movies" explores our generation’s tendency to watch films for content instead of form, basing how we go about our lives on cinematic manipulations (specifically, those of the romantic comedy) rather than honest, spontaneous and messy experience. Under the narration of the Academic, film conventions are experimented with, explained and put into practice on the stage.

"Playing Pretend" is a piece choreographed by Lauren Horn (AC) that explores the identity we put forth for all to see and the one we keep to ourselves. The words for each of the solos were created by each of the dancers.

Elena Marione’s (AC) "Arrastreo" is the murmur of all our mouths, a frightened and wondrous exploration of attention, identity and the things we leave behind.

"No Promise," written and directed by Mark Hawkins (AC), follows the tragic relationship of a young man and woman amid alcohol addiction, forcing us to consider whether people truly change.

Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended; call (413) 542-2277. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Holden Theater.