Choreographer John Malashock, artistic director of Malashock Dance, and composer Krishan Oberoi, director of the SACRA/PROFANA chorus, are teaming to create “Snakeskin,” a dance drama inspired by the plays and characters of Tennessee Williams. Performances of the world-premiere collaboration, in partnership with the UCSD Department of Theatre & Dance, will take place at UCSD’s Forum Theater Friday through Sunday, May 15 to 17.
The story is told through song, instrumental music and choreography. Eight Malashock dancers will portray the characters, while eight musicians (doubling as vocalists) deliver Oberoi’s score amid its dark, earthy tone, fusing elements of folk/rock and classical-influenced instrumental music. The drama recasts a mythic story, set in a small Southern town, where flawed characters struggle with themes of bigotry, isolation, class warfare, eroticism and narrowmindedness.
“‘Snakeskin’ is a timeless tale,” Oberoi said in a statement, “and the characters represent primal forces not unlike those in a Greek tragedy. The musical language, likewise, will incorporate songs in a modern folk and rock style, set against the backdrop of a more sophisticated instrumental score.”
“Storytelling through dance and music,” Malashock added, “is as primal as it gets. I love creating characters that people can relate to and, by working with a story this atmospheric and haunting, I think Krishan and I will be able to take audiences on a journey like no other.”
Oberoi and Malashock hope that this new work will encourage audiences to reflect on the conspicuous prejudices that still exist in our society.
Tennessee Williams, who died in 1983, was best known for his plays “The Glass Menagerie,” “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” He’s considered one of the foremost American dramatists. whose characters strongly resembled real-life figures from his family and close friends. Snakeskin Where: La Jolla Playhouse Forum Theater, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive
When: Friday and Saturday, May 15-17, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$45, malashockdance.org
