Two major dance events opened last weekend and continue long enough for readers to attend. The number of performances and the quality of San Diego-based dance are on the rise. To see is to believe.
‘Fathom: The Body as Universe’
The work of Jolla-raised choreographer John Malashock, Israeli composer Ariel Blumenthal and Japanese-American visual artist Junko Chodos ” the latter two Los Angeles ” are incorporated in the world premiere of “Fathom: The Body as Universe,” an exquisite multi-media work continuing at the North Park Theatre through May 21.
Malashock assembles a new company, some familiar, most not. Their unity and beauty are inspiring. The intricate, fluid choreography may be Malashock’s best work to date. Malashock veteran Michael Mizerany represents Kuukai, a ninth century Japanese priest who went to China to study Buddhism, then returned to Japan to found the Shingon sect. From the movement one construes a kind of mentorship, in which Kuukai learns the precepts of Buddhism in the language of the body. The dance work also incorporates thought from Jewish Mysticism, which Malashock finds similar to Buddhism in that it speaks of the body as universe.
The two other male dancers are San Diego natives ” the divinely muscled and intense Greg Lane, who has danced locally with Malashock, McCaleb Dance, and Three’s Company; and Victor Alonso, who has performed with Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theatre, Lower Left Dance Collective, Allyson Green Dance and Gabe Masson Dance. All Malashock debutantes, the fascinating and varied women are Emiko Hihara, Molly Klaproth, Christina May, Alison Mixon and Julie Rose Shulman.
“Fathom” is utterly stunning. Augmented by University of California, San Diego (UCSD) percussionist Steven Schick and 24 members of San Diego Master Chorale, all performing live in the orchestra pit, Blumenthal’s score is percussive, melodic, at times teasingly minimalist, and rhythmically complex. In addition to the live elements, which go straight to the solar plexus, the composer utilizes a recorded score of his keyboards and synthesizer, bells, gongs, wine glasses, and electronically processed trumpet and cello. It’s a magnificent aural experience.
Chodos’ art ” applied to 40 immense Mylar panels that drop in from the fly loft ” is magically illuminated by lighting designer Jennifer Setlow and adds complexity, grandeur and mystery to the overall effect of Malashock’s six scenes, enhanced by Tina Haatainen Jones’ artfully conceived costumes. My only carp would be that the dance work would be more effective without the interval, which interrupts the dramatic arc.
“Fathom: The Body as Universe” continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 8 p.m. Friday May 19, and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at the Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre, 2981 University Ave., San Diego. Tickets ($29.50-$36.50) are available by visiting www.e-ticketsnow.com or calling (619) 239-8836, ext 100.
‘Soul of a Young Girl: Dances of Anne Frank’
Eveoke Dance Theatre remounts “Soul of a Young Girl: Dances of Anne Frank,” choreographed by Gina Angelique at its new space, the Tenth Avenue Theatre, through June 4.
Young Anthony Rodriguez, discovered and nurtured by Eveoke, portrays Peter Van Daan, the boy beloved of the famous diarist named Anne, achingly portrayed by Yvonne Hernandez. Rodriguez, a fine actor, is on the road to becoming a mature artist. Lovely to see.
Believing the content and situation surrounding Anne’s holocaust diary are that important, Eveoke intends to repeat the emotionally wrenching work every half decade. It is so fine, so moving, so inspiring in regard to the indomitable human spirit, that it bears seeing each and every time.
“Soul of a Young Girl” plays at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Tenth Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Ave., San Diego. For tickets and information, visit www.soulofayounggirl.org or call (619) 238-1153.
