2022 - 2023 SEASON
MOVING AHEAD WITH AWARENESS
MOVING AHEAD WITH AWARENESS
THE GLUE FACTORY PROJECTS
original evening length dance theater works created on internationally & nationally renowned performers over the age of 40.
original evening length dance theater works created on internationally & nationally renowned performers over the age of 40.
photo: Frank Walsh / performer Nathan Keepers
the fisherman,
the butterfly,
eve & her lover
— a parable
"delightfully absurd ... one of Corning's smartest and funniest takes on one of the most serious issues of our complicated times..."
— DANCECURRENTS Jane Vranish
APRIL 15 - 23, 2023 City Theatre's Lillie Theatre
“In a place not far from here”… 4 iconic, eccentric characters are launched onto a marooned shore... think 3.5 tons of sand
choreography by beth corning
dramaturge by nathan keepers
set design by stephanie mayer staley
lighting design by iain court
projection design by Joe spinogatti
this experiential, visceral, multi-disciplined, dancetheater production, is created for intimately-sized audiences of 50
specifically for CITY THEATRE’s intimately-sized LILLIE THEATRE. Sitting nearly on the stage proffers a reminder to the audience that they are not just spectators, but part of this performance world.
Choreographer Beth Corning, known for her mature, socially aware approach to tackling current and provocative subject matter, chooses, with this newest production, to address the ever-growing devastation of climate change — delving into the questions of consumption, globalization, and the world’s developing ecological crisis.
Considering the extraordinary scope of climate change and its unraveling around the globe, how much do our little, individual, personal, efforts REALLY matter? Do they make ANY difference at all? And if we choose not to make changes, are we just burying our heads in the sand? What will our world literally look like in the future?
"Water, water, everywhere...Nor any drop to drink"
(from RIMES OF AN ANCIENT MARINER)
Corning, along with her collaborative design team, (lighting designer Iain Court, set designer Stephanie Mayer Staley and projection designer Joe Spinogatti), and a stellar group of critically-acclaimed, seasoned performers (Nathan Keepers, as the “fisherman” — former company member of Academy Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and currently the producing artistic director, creator, actor/author of THE MOVING COMPANY— based in Minneapolis; Evan Fisk, as the “lover” — dancer /actor known for his portrayal of Macbeth in PunchDrunk's long running Sleep No More, and a current member of Brian Brooks Moving Company NYC; and Jillian Hollis, as “eve” — principal dancer and rehearsal director for Heidi Latsky Dance NYC and last seen in Corningworks March 2022 production of HAPPILY EVER AFTER), wrestle with these ever-mounting questions.
“I just want to get people thinking. I never pose any direct answers or solutions – I rarely have any myself, I too am searching. Mostly I aim to creatively bring a particular issue to the table, to make those things that are uncomfortable a bit more tangible, a bit more relatable, a bit more personal, and maybe make it not so easily pushed aside." — Beth Corning
“In a place not far from here”… 4 iconic, eccentric characters are launched onto a marooned shore... think 3.5 tons of sand
choreography by beth corning
dramaturge by nathan keepers
set design by stephanie mayer staley
lighting design by iain court
projection design by Joe spinogatti
this experiential, visceral, multi-disciplined, dancetheater production, is created for intimately-sized audiences of 50
specifically for CITY THEATRE’s intimately-sized LILLIE THEATRE. Sitting nearly on the stage proffers a reminder to the audience that they are not just spectators, but part of this performance world.
Choreographer Beth Corning, known for her mature, socially aware approach to tackling current and provocative subject matter, chooses, with this newest production, to address the ever-growing devastation of climate change — delving into the questions of consumption, globalization, and the world’s developing ecological crisis.
Considering the extraordinary scope of climate change and its unraveling around the globe, how much do our little, individual, personal, efforts REALLY matter? Do they make ANY difference at all? And if we choose not to make changes, are we just burying our heads in the sand? What will our world literally look like in the future?
"Water, water, everywhere...Nor any drop to drink"
(from RIMES OF AN ANCIENT MARINER)
Corning, along with her collaborative design team, (lighting designer Iain Court, set designer Stephanie Mayer Staley and projection designer Joe Spinogatti), and a stellar group of critically-acclaimed, seasoned performers (Nathan Keepers, as the “fisherman” — former company member of Academy Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and currently the producing artistic director, creator, actor/author of THE MOVING COMPANY— based in Minneapolis; Evan Fisk, as the “lover” — dancer /actor known for his portrayal of Macbeth in PunchDrunk's long running Sleep No More, and a current member of Brian Brooks Moving Company NYC; and Jillian Hollis, as “eve” — principal dancer and rehearsal director for Heidi Latsky Dance NYC and last seen in Corningworks March 2022 production of HAPPILY EVER AFTER), wrestle with these ever-mounting questions.
“I just want to get people thinking. I never pose any direct answers or solutions – I rarely have any myself, I too am searching. Mostly I aim to creatively bring a particular issue to the table, to make those things that are uncomfortable a bit more tangible, a bit more relatable, a bit more personal, and maybe make it not so easily pushed aside." — Beth Corning
MEET THE GUEST PERFORMERS
EVAN FISK / THE LOVER
currently works in New York City as a Dancer, Actor and Model and received his BFA from The Juilliard School. Known for his expressive and tumultuous portrayal of Macbeth in PunchDrunk's Sleep No More, and a number of other characters he brought to life. Fisk is also a member of Brian Brooks Moving Company, originating in new works and performing repertoire across the country.
He has appeared in Broad City, Netflix's Hit & Run, NowThis Workout Like JackieChan, and Kaye Tuckerman's Black Canvas. Additionally, Evan performed at Susan Bartsch's LoveBall hosted by Billy Porter, Nick Cave's The Let Go, at The Park Avenue Armory, and at parties hosted by The McKittrick Hotel as a MainStage Performer, Paisley Player, and Gogo Dancer. As a choreographer, his own work has been shown at stages around New York, including Juilliard's Meredith Wilson Theater, Arts on Site, Judson Church, and virtual festivals.
currently works in New York City as a Dancer, Actor and Model and received his BFA from The Juilliard School. Known for his expressive and tumultuous portrayal of Macbeth in PunchDrunk's Sleep No More, and a number of other characters he brought to life. Fisk is also a member of Brian Brooks Moving Company, originating in new works and performing repertoire across the country.
He has appeared in Broad City, Netflix's Hit & Run, NowThis Workout Like JackieChan, and Kaye Tuckerman's Black Canvas. Additionally, Evan performed at Susan Bartsch's LoveBall hosted by Billy Porter, Nick Cave's The Let Go, at The Park Avenue Armory, and at parties hosted by The McKittrick Hotel as a MainStage Performer, Paisley Player, and Gogo Dancer. As a choreographer, his own work has been shown at stages around New York, including Juilliard's Meredith Wilson Theater, Arts on Site, Judson Church, and virtual festivals.
JILLIAN HOLLIS/ EVE
is a graduate of Point Park University and has lived as a professional dancer in New York City for over 20 years. She is a principal dancer and rehearsal director for Heidi Latsky Dance (HLD). Through HLD she has traveled across the country and abroad to Greece and Armenia performing, teaching master classes and setting choreography on students.
Jillian has collaborated and worked with numerous choreographers in NYC including Jenny Rocha, Carrie Ahern, Heather Harrington and Joseph Mills among others. In 2019, Jillian performed in CORNINGWORKS The World As We Know It—by 6 women of a certain age, and in 2022, CORNINGWORKS production of Happily Ever After.
She is also very active in the cabaret world and has danced for Taylor Mac, Rizo (formerly Lady Rizo and the Assettes) and performed in the major cabaret venues in the city including: The Slipper Room, Joe's Pub, Brooklyn Bandshell, The Box, Duane Park, among many others, as well as in the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, headlining in many burlesque festivals under the name Gigi BonBon. In 2018 she won the title of Miss Coney Island. She is also a pilates teacher.
is a graduate of Point Park University and has lived as a professional dancer in New York City for over 20 years. She is a principal dancer and rehearsal director for Heidi Latsky Dance (HLD). Through HLD she has traveled across the country and abroad to Greece and Armenia performing, teaching master classes and setting choreography on students.
Jillian has collaborated and worked with numerous choreographers in NYC including Jenny Rocha, Carrie Ahern, Heather Harrington and Joseph Mills among others. In 2019, Jillian performed in CORNINGWORKS The World As We Know It—by 6 women of a certain age, and in 2022, CORNINGWORKS production of Happily Ever After.
She is also very active in the cabaret world and has danced for Taylor Mac, Rizo (formerly Lady Rizo and the Assettes) and performed in the major cabaret venues in the city including: The Slipper Room, Joe's Pub, Brooklyn Bandshell, The Box, Duane Park, among many others, as well as in the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, headlining in many burlesque festivals under the name Gigi BonBon. In 2018 she won the title of Miss Coney Island. She is also a pilates teacher.
NATHAN KEEPERS / THE FISHERMAN
is Producing Artistic Director of The Moving Company, (based in Minneapolis, MN) working as a creator, actor/author, director and producer. Nathan spent 11 seasons prior to The Moving Company with Theatre de la Jeune Lune (1998-2008). In the Twin Cities Nathan has performed at The Jungle Theater, Ten Thousand Things, Sod House Theatre, CTC and Augsburg Varsity Theatre. Nationally, Nathan has directed at Actors Theatre of Louisvilleand Merrimack Repertory Theatre, and performed with Berkeley Repertory, American Repertory Theatre, The Alley Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Shakespeare Theatre, D.C. and The Folger Theatre. As a teacher, he has taught extensive workshops, including serving as a teaching artist at various institutions and universities both in Minnesota and around the country.
the fisherman, the butterfly, eve & her lover – a parable is made possible in part with support from: Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), CORNINGWORKS Board of Directors, Individual Donors, Opportunity Fund, PA Council on the Arts, and The Space Upstairs Artist Residency Program.
is Producing Artistic Director of The Moving Company, (based in Minneapolis, MN) working as a creator, actor/author, director and producer. Nathan spent 11 seasons prior to The Moving Company with Theatre de la Jeune Lune (1998-2008). In the Twin Cities Nathan has performed at The Jungle Theater, Ten Thousand Things, Sod House Theatre, CTC and Augsburg Varsity Theatre. Nationally, Nathan has directed at Actors Theatre of Louisvilleand Merrimack Repertory Theatre, and performed with Berkeley Repertory, American Repertory Theatre, The Alley Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Shakespeare Theatre, D.C. and The Folger Theatre. As a teacher, he has taught extensive workshops, including serving as a teaching artist at various institutions and universities both in Minnesota and around the country.
the fisherman, the butterfly, eve & her lover – a parable is made possible in part with support from: Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), CORNINGWORKS Board of Directors, Individual Donors, Opportunity Fund, PA Council on the Arts, and The Space Upstairs Artist Residency Program.
a new series' been launched ...
UNEXPECTED EXPOSURE
Performed free of charge for audiences
Taking CW performances to the sidewalks, fountains, museums, at a non-dance event . . . and other surprising site-specific venues, we are knocking down doors of exclusion. This new series is comprised of several short portable, dancetheater works, with a “pop-up sensibility,” performed in unexpected places -
Opening up the experience of CW's socially conscious dancetheater works to those who would not ordinarily attend an “in-theater” production. Expanding the path to mutual accessibility, while actively countering these traumatic times of isolation and division.
the cloud arbor by Ned Kahn
SEPT 13th, 2022 OUR FIRST “POP UP” RESIDENCY
in collaboration with THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
created & performed IN the museum’s fountain structure
the cloud
of un knowing
7:30pm /8:30pm /9:30pm /10:30pm
VIEWING OF THIS WORK WAS FREE TO THE PUBLIC
This moving 10-minute work was repeatedly performed as part of a special event hosted by The Children's Museum and Carnegie Science Museum for THE ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTERS a 3-day conference being held in Pittsburgh
ONSITE REHEARSALS were open to any and all passersby — museum-goers, office workers, those taking a lunch break, Northside neighbors, and all those community kids camps who visit the fountain daily
in collaboration with THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
created & performed IN the museum’s fountain structure
the cloud
of un knowing
7:30pm /8:30pm /9:30pm /10:30pm
VIEWING OF THIS WORK WAS FREE TO THE PUBLIC
This moving 10-minute work was repeatedly performed as part of a special event hosted by The Children's Museum and Carnegie Science Museum for THE ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTERS a 3-day conference being held in Pittsburgh
ONSITE REHEARSALS were open to any and all passersby — museum-goers, office workers, those taking a lunch break, Northside neighbors, and all those community kids camps who visit the fountain daily
MEET THE PERFORMERS for the cloud of un knowing
THEO BLISS is a movement & improvisational artist. They are a resident artist at The Space Upstairs and a current company member of The Pillow Project where they have been featured in the full length-works (in person) and UNDERSTARS, as well as being a regular improvisationalist at Second Saturdays. Theo recently presented an original solo multimedia work "I, um, well..." at PearlArt's Charrette Series at The Kelly Strayhorn's Alloy Studios and is currently developing a feature-length work. Most recently, they studied at Springboard Dans Montréal, performing in a work by Juliano Nuñes. They also attended Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts with a concentration in Modern Dance, performing in works by Jason McDole, Pearlann Porter, Penny Saunders, Jessica Lang, and Bob Fosse.
CHEZNEY DOUGLAS a queer dancer/ visual artist born & raised in Las Vegas, Nevada began their formal dance training at the age of 5 at Bunker Dance Center. They continued their dance training there along with attending Las Vegas Academy of the Arts focusing on dance and 3D design until graduation. Chezney’s training includes that of tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and multiple folkdance styles. Chezney has had worked with and performed the works of Peter Chu, Stacey Tookie, Naomi Stikeman, Anthony Morigerato, Sonya Tayeh, Chloe and Maude Arnold and Roger Van der Poel. During their college career at Point Park University, Chezney worked with and performed the works of Tyce Diorio, Peter Chu, Adam Hougland, Pearlanne Porter, Robert Priore, Jason McDole, Colleen Hooper, and David Norsworthy. Currently Chezney is a teaching artist at Point Park University, and performing artist with The Pillow Project.
WEYLIN GOMEZ attended Point Park University for dance, and holds certifications pertaining to injury prevention and corrective exercise. After leaving the university he went on to dance with companies such as, Diavolo (Architecture in Motion), The Pillow Project, and Afro Yaqui Music Collective. He has choreographed multiple works in the Pittsburgh area, and is currently collaborating with The Grey Space Project. Weylin also runs a business that focuses on injury prevention and career longevity for dancers. https://embodhiment.com
LIBBIE LOUIS is a professional freelance mover and creator. She recently completed her BFA degree with a major in dance at Point Park University, and is currently a company member of Pearlann Porter’s The Pillow Project. Libbie worked and performed with CORNINGWORKS production of THE TIPPING POINT in January 2022.
AMY YATTA is a recent BFA in Dance graduate of Point Park University Department with a Musical Theater minor, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Throughout her training at both The Grier School and Point Park University she had the opportunity to work with many choreographers including Peter Chu, Tyce Diorio, Melissa Rector, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Rob Priore, Pearlann Porter, among others. When the pandemic swept the nation and lockdown commenced in the middle of her sophomore year, despite all of the hardships remote learning presented, numerous supplemental film projects and creative assignments led her to discover a love for choreography. She has now produced numerous dance theater works around Pittsburgh, solo creations & collaborations with her fiancé, Weylin Gomez; most recently at the SPINNING PLATE GALLERY, and the SPACE UPSTAIRS as part of THE SWITCH - a performance evening of works by new choreographers. amyyatta.wixsite.com/artist or @the_grey_space_project on Instagram and Facebook.
photo Pearlann Porter
CW's recently completed 2021 / 2022 season
moving forward with intention A HUGE SUCCESS!
thanks
to ALL our artists,
to ALL our patrons, to ALL our supporters ...
just a few of the many reviews received ...
Expertly crafted with sage performances ... CORNINGWORKS’ most unabashed political dance...a success and one whose imprint on audiences was surely felt."
— Steve Sucato ARTS AIR / The Other Shoe
"... moments of confusion, anxiety, and discomfort. And it’s brilliant..."
— Lisa Cunningham CITY PAPER / The Other Shoe
"Corning appears to be on a roll. . . I was fascinated once again by Corning’s daring imagination. Call it Beth in Wonderland…another tale of her own making."
— Jane Vranish DANCE CURRENTS / Happily Ever After
If you’re looking for a show that presents a Platonic singular Truth, this is not the show for you. This show is nuanced in hyper-textuality and layered in multiplicity. Not in a post-truth conspiratorial way but in the sense that each scene is so rhetorical and ripe for interpretation that I could see it each night and experience it differently...“Experience” is simply the best word I can use capture this performance. "
— Jessica Neu. ON STAGE / Happily Ever After
"... the gravity of this visceral and thought-provoking work was most effectively driven home ...the journey of understanding contained within the work is one that globally needs to be taken for the sake of all humanity." — Steve Sucato ARTS AIR / The Tipping Point
"Local theater groups have picked up successfully on the trend,(of site specific/immersive works) including Quantum Theater and Bricolage. But no one took the arduous path that Corning and her artistic comrades assembled...This was immersion like no other. Corning always had a vast dramatic vision, executed in minute details, making for a rich, thoughtful experience at all her performances."
— Jane Vranish DANCE CURRENTS / The Tipping Point
moving forward with intention A HUGE SUCCESS!
thanks
to ALL our artists,
to ALL our patrons, to ALL our supporters ...
just a few of the many reviews received ...
Expertly crafted with sage performances ... CORNINGWORKS’ most unabashed political dance...a success and one whose imprint on audiences was surely felt."
— Steve Sucato ARTS AIR / The Other Shoe
"... moments of confusion, anxiety, and discomfort. And it’s brilliant..."
— Lisa Cunningham CITY PAPER / The Other Shoe
"Corning appears to be on a roll. . . I was fascinated once again by Corning’s daring imagination. Call it Beth in Wonderland…another tale of her own making."
— Jane Vranish DANCE CURRENTS / Happily Ever After
If you’re looking for a show that presents a Platonic singular Truth, this is not the show for you. This show is nuanced in hyper-textuality and layered in multiplicity. Not in a post-truth conspiratorial way but in the sense that each scene is so rhetorical and ripe for interpretation that I could see it each night and experience it differently...“Experience” is simply the best word I can use capture this performance. "
— Jessica Neu. ON STAGE / Happily Ever After
"... the gravity of this visceral and thought-provoking work was most effectively driven home ...the journey of understanding contained within the work is one that globally needs to be taken for the sake of all humanity." — Steve Sucato ARTS AIR / The Tipping Point
"Local theater groups have picked up successfully on the trend,(of site specific/immersive works) including Quantum Theater and Bricolage. But no one took the arduous path that Corning and her artistic comrades assembled...This was immersion like no other. Corning always had a vast dramatic vision, executed in minute details, making for a rich, thoughtful experience at all her performances."
— Jane Vranish DANCE CURRENTS / The Tipping Point