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
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" 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.