Dancing Conversation: Women & Witchcraft with Liz Lerman

On Thursday, May 20, acclaimed choreographer and visionary Liz Lerman (Tempe, AZ) will discuss and share three short films as a result of her Satellite Residency with NCCAkron this year. Additionally, University of Akron (UA) faculty and professionals will join NCCAkron Executive/Artistic Director Christy Bolingbroke in a discussion about these films, the demonization of women into witches, and female archetypes. UA faculty and instructors include Francisca Ugalde (Curator & Instructor, Institute for Human Science and Culture), Daniela Jauk (Assistant Professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice), and Heather Braun (Associate Professor, English). After the virtual event, the Akron community can engage with Lerman by “casting spells for forgiveness and healing” through postcards available at participating locations.

Excerpts from WICKED BODIES: made for screen and conversation

Conceived by Liz Lerman in association with many collaborators

Performers: Will Bond, Leah Cox, Martha Gonzalez, Sam Horning, Nia Love, Paloma McGregor, Martha Minow, Ruby Morales, Elisa Garcia Radcliffe, Angelina Ramirez, Keith Thompson, Maggie Waller, Martha Wittman, Jude Lee Bursey

Directed by Anna Spelman and Liz Lerman

Choreography: Keith Thompson and Liz Lerman in collaboration with performers

Video Editing: Anna Spelman

Cinematography: Anna Spelman, Olivia Sebesky, and performers

Projection Design and Animation: Olivia Sebesky

Audio Post Production: Darron L West

Musician/Vocalist: Martha Gonzalez

Dramaturg: Darron L West

Costume Consulting: Sarita Fellows

Production Assistant: Phil Weaver-Stoesz

Stage Sound Design: Darron L West and Matt Hubbs

Stage Costume Design: Sarita Fellows

Stage Lighting Design: Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew

Stage Scenic Design: Jian Jung

Stage Projection Design: Olivia Sebesky

Project Management: Erin Donohue and Meg Kelly

The development of Wicked Bodies is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Additional support has been provided by the research fund of Martha Minow, Harvard University; Arizona State University and its department of ASU Gammage; Scripps College; Green Music Center at Sonoma State University; the Moss Center at Virginia Tech University; NCCAkron Satellite Residency; and the Hewlett Foundation. Major individual support provided by Anonymous, Jane Brown, Sandra Garner, Bob and Paula Hardison, Diana Pinover, and the Pullman Family.

Footage from this performance was originally presented at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.

Performers, designers, researchers, and dramaturgs involved in the process: Erika Moore, David Olarte, Tamara Hurwitz Pullman, Trent Williams, Jessica Rajko, Makeda Roney, Ted Johnson, Miko Doi-Smith, Nina Trotto, Phil Weaver-Stoesz, Rachel Cooper, Kyla-Rose Smith, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Kerry Nicholls, Kate Freer, Dan Gower, Martha Minow, Cathy Zimmerman, Bibi Harris, Dan Hurlin, Jill Johnson, Lois Brown, Ariel Anbar, Beckett Sterner, Nico Franz, Kevin Hultine, Scripps College student dancers. Additional research influenced by faculty, staff, and students at the University of Iowa, Virginia Tech, ASU Natural History Collections, and Sonoma State University. Thanks to ASU Vislab for the video of the ASU Natural History Collections.