Kelly Strayhorn Theater is proud to present the world premiere performance of garment, developed by internationally acclaimed choreographer Sidra Bell. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. on March 7-8 and explore bending and shifting identities in a playful and interactive arena.
“I like to think about performance as a shared practice,” says Bell. “The minute the audience comes in the theater, they are involved.”
An incubator for emerging artists, KST cultivates talent throughout all stages of the creative process. This support is offered in a variety of ways, including KST residencies where artists can focus on creating new works. The result of such an artist residency, Bell began to develop garment at KST in the summer of 2013.
“This is one of my favorite organizations because there is a real investment in the artist -- supporting the trajectory,” says Bell.
People often ask janera solomon, executive director of KST, how artists are selected for residencies. “We’re drawn to artists who stay fresh. Artists who are always open to new ideas and new ways of thinking and will bring something fresh to the experience of this theater or the Alloy or another space that we produce in. That’s what I love about Sidra and her work and all of her performers. They bring a lot of freshness and energy.”
Bell says a section of garment is called “unfettered” where the dancers “just go wild.”
“I love that moment,” Bell says. “It has no boundaries to it. And that’s the point - - that movement can be unfettered and almost joyful. So I’m really interested in cultivating that with this piece -- a sense of joy at times.”
On Tuesday, March 3 from 6PM to 9PM KST and Dress for Success Pittsburgh co-present Give a garment, See a garment. Patrons can bring gently-used suiting and accessories to The Alloy Studios to help Dress for Success Pittsburgh equip women with industry-appropriate clothing for job interviews. In exchange for their generosity KST extents their PLUS ONE discount so patrons can bring someone special to the main stage performance for only $1 more. While at the studio patrons can see a sneak peek rehearsal of garment.
Tickets are available at kelly-strayhorn.org (artists/students $15, 15206 $20; general admission $25).
A special performance of garment will also be presented as part of the artSEEDS student matinee series at 10 a.m. on March 7. The series engages middle and high school students with resident artists and educators. Students experience, discuss, and connect with the artists’ ideas, methods, and practices in each presented work.
Give a garment, See garment
Tuesday, March 4, 2014 :: 1 PM to 6 PM
The Alloy Studios, 5530 Penn Ave.
Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater: Dress for Success and Sidra Bell Dance New York
After your early spring-cleaning bring your gently-used suiting and accessories to The Alloy Studios to help Dress for Success Pittsburgh equip women with industry-appropriate clothing for job interviews. In exchange for your generosity we invite you to the world premiere of garment by Sidra Bell Dance New York on March 7 and 8. We’ll extend our PLUS ONE discount so you can bring someone special to the main stage performance for just $1 more. While you’re here, enjoy snacks and a sneak peek studio rehearsal of garment, which explores bending and shifting identities in a playful and interactive arena.
Dress for Success receives many generous donations but is most in need of handbags, jewelry, portfolios, and closed-toe black or brown shoes. While best known for providing suits to women, its employment retention programs are the cornerstone of the organization. Dress for Success provides workforce support and professional development to help women on their journey to be self-sufficient. Visit us on Tuesday, March 4 to learn more about its services.
Master Class with Sidra Bell
Professional and pre-professional dancers who crave a challenge are invited to the Sidra Bell Dance New York Project Master Class at The Alloy School on Wednesday, March 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is $5 at the door.
About the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
As the last of nine theaters from the 1950s heyday of East Liberty, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater uses the arts as a catalyst for continuing community revitalization. The theater, in its 12th season, continues to play a key role in the transformation of Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. An intimate, professional equipped, 349-seat multiple-use performance venue, the theater demonstrates its commitment to Pittsburgh artists and audiences. The KST is a favorite venue of emerging local artists, regional artists and arts organizations who take risks and present new work. Noted Pittsburghers Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, the namesakes, are among the 80 area artists honored on the theater’s Gallery of Stars. The building, opening in 1914, is the former Regent Theatre, which served the East End as a movie house for eight decades.