Just in time for the month of romance, Eveoke Dance Theatre opens its 13th season with “Luna “” Dances of Love,” comprising three new works by artistic director/choreographer Gina Angelique. Anthony Rodriguez, the fabulous young dancer/ choreographer nurtured within Angelique’s company, choreographs romantic interludes.
Because Eveoke’s occupancy at the Tenth Avenue Theatre is tenuous at best “” shaky but hopeful at press time – Angelique is pulling an Isadora Duncan; that is, presenting “Luna” in a variety of intimate venues (mostly living rooms from Pt. Loma to Del Mar) Feb. 2 through 25. For instance, the opening night (Feb. 2) performance is taking place in the studio of photographer Jeffrey Lamont Brown at the old Rattner clothing manufacturing building. It’s like déjà vu all over again: this is where Eveoke began more than a decade ago.
Truly dedicated to downtown and its inhabitants, Eveoke was dealt an apparent low blow recently. Having announced plans a year ago to sign a lease on the Tenth Avenue Theatre, Eveoke producer Christopher Hall proceeded to pour money and sweat equity into the refurbishing of the building’s auditorium, creating an adaptable and comfortable space that was host to many homeless theatre companies, including MOXIE, Stone Soup and Sledgehammer over the course of 2006.
Hall lined up numerous others to be core tenants and even had a dream of refurbishing the building’s upstairs apartments, but all that was dashed when it came time to sign the actual lease. A nearby not-for-profit organization had expressed interest in leasing the building years before, then dropped out; and when they saw the activity surrounding Eveoke’s opening, they changed their minds. Lawyers in tow, they went to the building’s owners and established first rights of refusal.
At press time their option had not yet been exercised.
After recent conversations with one of the owners, Jeff Cotta, Hall was hopeful. “Our fingers are crossed that the space will remain as an asset to the community. Jeff is dedicated to growing the space into an arts center with access to the entire community of performing artists,” Hall said.
In an e-mail dated Jan. 23, Cotta wrote: “I am on the verge of leasing the building (basically from myself and my partner), and I will then proceed with reestablishing the momentum that Eveoke and I started to develop last year.”
In an update Jan. 24, he said, “We’re getting closer to our goal. I have been able to secure the building for Sushi, Sledgehammer and Eveoke for their productions through the end of August (or whenever Eveoke’s summer show closes).” As for the long run, stay tuned.
San Diego residents and arts enthusiasts are holding their collective breaths. The Tenth Avenue Theatre is too wonderful to lose; however, Hall assures fans that Evoke will continue with or without the property.
Eveoke is dedicated to youth at risk, the residents of downtown San Diego and audiences thrilled by such fare as “The Soul of a Young Girl: Dances of Anne Frank,” “Wireless City,” “Fish Tales,” “Funkalosophy,” and a gender-bending “Taming of the Shrew,” plus 11 years as producer/presenter of the free “Celebrate Dance Festival” in Balboa Park.
Tickets for hosted performances of “Luna – Dances of Love” are $40. Patrons may check the schedule of venues by phoning (619) 238-1153. Eveoke also offers “Luna” at the reduced price of $20 at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 at the Eveoke studio, 644 7th Ave., downtown.