Trophies Mercedes Searer +Roland Gebhardt Trophies Jack Hanley Gallery June, 26 2014 Curated by Jack Hanley Performers: Mercedes Searer (choreographer/dancer) Alexander Leslie Thompson (dancer) Macklin Kowal (dancer) Music Director: Louis Nicolia, Moondog Producer: Margaret Johnson Artistic Director: Roland Gebhardt Moondog Music Director: Louis Nicolia Choreographer Mercedes Searer Concept and Masks Roland Gebhardt Musicians Louis Nicolia (violin, ocarina etc.) Sonny Froman (trimba) Andrija Andjelic (piano) Rebecca Wunch (horns) James Pearson (cello) Communications Steve Lafreniere Ron Lasko Photography Thomas Lohse Christopher Lucka Video Christopher Lucka You can see video excerpts from the performance here |
Trophies is a unique collaboration between sculpture, dance and music that explores issues of identity and transformation from living being to hunter's trophy. Collecting trophies is a common social pursuit. Objects of perceived and real value are used as icons to express one's identity. Trophies are currency of social stature. In this performance piece, establishing and collecting hunting trophies serve as an analogy.
The piece premiered in February 2014 at the Erie Art Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania. Press reviews and Comments:
"It was a compelling, moving, thought provoking piece. . . .the dancers were spare, yet powerful and engaging. . . . I hope it might reach a greater audience and critical acclaim". Ingrid Caruso " I was enthralled with the elegance of this idea . . .I was enveloped in the multi-sensory moment of these white, abstract forms coming to life to the music and movement, only to be taken [by the trophy collector] and placed on the wall. . .This is perfect for so many young people to explore". Sandra Kay, PhD. |