Natalie Metzger's MFA III thesis, 'Sacrament' | Photo: Scott Groller
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This weekend, alumna choreographer Natalie Metzger (Dance MFA 11) presents her 30-minute CalArts thesis work, Sacrament, at the Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. The immersive piece, which earned Metzger the 2011 Emerging Choreographer Award from the HARC Foundation, remounts for two performances on March 30 and 31 at 8:30 pm.
The work is described by CalArts faculty and former Nederland Dans Theater soloist, Glen Eddy, as “Rite of Spring meets Alien in Night of the Living Dead.” Metzger herself describes the piece as “a dance theater experience that descends into a world of cult mentality, memory and violence amid a futuristic landscape of decay.”
The dance piece features a slew of CalArtian collaborators, including composer Bob Allaire (Music MFA 09), scenic designer Grant Gorrell (CalArts dance faculty), lighting designer Ellie Rabinowitz (Theater MFA 11) and costume designer Asta Hostetter (Theater MFA 12). Dancers include Erica Carpenter (Dance BFA 4), Gregory Dorado (Dance BFA 2), Cameron Evans (Dance BFA 11), Lexi Gibbons (Dance BFA 4), Tiara Jackson (Dance BFA 3), Lindsey Lollie (Dance BFA 4), Nicole Pfeiffer (Dance BFA 3), Michelle Sagarminaga (Dance BFA 4), Jordon Waters (Dance BFA 3) and Stephanie Zaletel (Dance BFA 4).
In addition to the live performance, documentation of the artistic process was recently published in Ugly Duckling Press’ print publication Emergency Index. Allaire also released the soundtrack, which was reviewed by the UK blog, The Milk Factory.
Visit Metzger’s site for more information about her work.
Sacrament
Highways Performance Space
1651 18th St, Santa Monica
March 30 & 31, 8:30 pm
Tickets: General $20, Students & Seniors $15, CalArts $10