OPENING: PIVOT ARTS PRESENTS CHARGED SPACES/CHANGING BODIES OCTOBER 11- OCTOBER 14, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

PIVOT ARTS PRESENTS

CHARGED SPACES/CHANGING BODIES

AT THE INSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND LAWRENCE HOUSE,

 Formidable dreams Rebecca Ciprus

OCTOBER 11- OCTOBER 14, 

IN CONJUNCTION WITH OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO

Curated by Julieanne Ehre and Peter Taub and Featuring Works by 

Anna Martine Whitehead, Carole McCurdy and Sara Zalek, Elaine Lemieux and Hanna Brock

Pivot Arts presents Charged Spaces/Changing Bodies, a series of site-specific performances in two historic Uptown spaces in conjunction with Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago weekend. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 11, Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. The performance begins at the Institute for Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Rd., with Notes on Territory written, choreographed and performed by Anna Martine Whitehead. Audiences are then led across the street to Lawrence House, 1020 W. Lawrence Ave., for Les Chanteuses du Rien, created and performed by Sara Zalek, Elaine Lemieux and Hanna Brock. This piece will take place within the Lawrence House lobby and culminate in its swimming pool. The multi-disciplinary event concludes with Five Stud Stud by Carole McCurdy in the Lawrence House’s gym space. 

Audiences will be led by a guide through the spaces to witness the performances happening throughout each building. A suggested donation of $20 will be requested at the door. For reservations or additional information, please visit pivotarts.org/events.

Edgar Miller Legacy Ji-Yang

Details on the individual pieces may be found below: 

Notes on Territory
Written, Choreographed and Performed by Anna Martine Whitehead
Sound by Damon Locks and Lighting by Giau Truong
Institute for Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Rd. 

Part performance and part installation, Notes On Territory uses movement, sound, video and text to address "containment architectures" such as prisons, cathedrals, dungeons and homes. The piece considers known architectural shapes and spiritual traditions such as crosses and arches in relation to the hole – a space which is only known by the wall that surrounds it – as a means of exploring the rich tradition of Black liberation practice. 

Notes on Territory has had work-in-progress showings at ACRE and Ragdale (2017), Elevate Chicago Dance (2017,) Velocity Dance Center (2018), Whitman College Spring Studio Series (2018) and Pivot Arts Festival (2018).

Generous support for Notes on Territory has been provided by Chicago Dancemakers Forum; Headlands Center for the Arts; Daring Dances at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and the Pivot Arts Incubator program.

Les Chanteuses du Rien
Created and performed by Sara Zalek, Elaine Lemieux and Hanna Brock
Lawrence House, 1020 W. Lawrence Ave.

Les Chanteuses du Rien employs genres of classical scores, experimental opera, improvised sound, expanded cinema and Butoh dance to explore the lobby and swimming pool space at Lawrence House. The performers are a trio of tricksters who desire to communicate intimately with an audience while revealing hidden histories.

Five Stud Stud
Created by Carole McCurdy and co-performed with Jon Poindexter
Lawrence House, 1020 W. Lawrence Ave.

Five Stud Stud explores spectrums between violence and tenderness. The performance is both intense and absurd, taking place in an installation of inflatable punching bags. Versions of this piece have been performed at Ragdale Foundation, Dogleach/Hume, Comfort Station, OuterSpace and Defibrillator. 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS 

Anna Martine Whitehead 

Anna Martine Whitehead
Writer, Choreographer and Performer of Notes of Territory

Anna Martine Whitehead is a transdisciplinary artist interested in the body as material, signal, archive. She’s been presented by Velocity Dance Center; Watts Towers Art Center; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the Hemispheric Institute for Performance and Politics. Her work Notes On Territory was developed and then presented as a work-in-progress as part of the Pivot Arts Incubator program. She has contributed to projects by Onye Ozuzu, Jefferson Pinder, taisha paggett, Every house has a door, Keith Hennessy, BodyCartography Project, Julien Prévieux and the Prison + Neighborhood Art Project. Whitehouse has been published in Art21, C Magazine, Art Practical, frieze; contributed to Meanings and Makings of Queer Dance; and is the author of TREASURE | My Black Rupture. She is a 2018 Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist. 

McCurdy 

Photo by Sam Chao

Carole McCurdy
Creator of Five Stud Stud

Carole McCurdy is a Chicago-based artist whose performance work addresses grief and anxiety, duty and resistance and the absurd mysteries of embodiment. She received a 2016 Lab Artist award from the Chicago Dancemakers Forum and was a fall 2016 Sponsored Artist at High Concept Laboratories. She created and directed an ensemble piece, Waver, with support from CDF, HCL and 3Arts Chicago. Her practices include butoh and Argentine tango and she has performed at spaces including the Chicago Cultural Center, Epiphany Dance, Links Hall, Hamlin Park, High Concept Laboratories, Defibrillator Gallery and Movement Research (NY).

Sara Zalek, Elaine Lemieux and Hanna Brock
Creators and Performers of Chanteuses du Rien

Sara Zalek, Elaine Lemieux and Hanna Brock are a collaborative team who have been creating together for two years in Chicago, including Chicago Cultural Center, Edgar Miller Legacy Studio, Silent Funny, Ragdale Foundation and the Hungry Brain. They have been supported by Chicago Dancemakers Forum, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, the City of Chicago, New England Foundation for the Arts and the Ragdale Foundation. 

Julieanne Ehre
Co-Curator of Charged Spaces/Changing Bodies

Julieanne Ehre is the founder and the director of Pivot Arts. She both leads the organization and curates performances including the Pivot Arts Festival, Live Talk series and oversees the “Celebrate Community!” parade. She was the NEA/TCG New Generations “Future Leaders” Fellow at the Goodman Theatre where she served as producer on Latino Festival, New Stages Series and conceived of and produced the Goodman’s Artists Talk series. Ehre served as a delegate to the Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile and the ITI World Theater Congress in Xiamen, China through Theater Communications Group and was the co-chair of the Arts and Culture Committee for Chicago’s 48th Ward. As the artistic director of Greasy Joan & Co. for five years, she directed and produced critically acclaimed and premiere adaptations of classic plays and worked as a freelance theater director. Ehre holds an MFA in Directing from Northwestern University and a BA in Anthropology from Grinnell College.

Peter Taub
Co-Curator of Charged Spaces/Changing Bodies

Peter Taub is a curator and arts manager with over 30 years of experience in developing and producing artist-centered projects. Based in Chicago, his current curatorial projects include curating Elevate Chicago Dance (October 2018 and October 2017), a festival with more than 40 choreographers and site-specific performances with Matty Davis/Ben Gould (June 2018) and Pivot Arts (October 2018). Last year, Taub curated a performance series during the Venice Biennial for V-A-C Foundation inspired by the centenary of the Russian Revolution. Taub was the founding director of the performing arts program at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago from 1996 - 2016 and developed the program into a leading presenter and producer of multidisciplinary dance, theater and music. While there he established the MCA Stage New Works Initiative to support artists with creative residencies and commissions. He co-founded the Chicago Dancemakers Forum (CDF) to support artistic exploration and growth with funding and mentorship, and it is now the largest source of new dance development in the region.

ABOUT Pivot Arts
Pivot Arts produces and presents contemporary and multidisciplinary performance on Chicago’s far north side. They develop new work and present performances throughout the year culminating in a large-scale festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations lead to the support and creation of unique performance events.

Charged Spaces/Changing Bodies is supported in part by the Alphawood Foundation, FLATSstudio, the Illinois Arts Council, the Institute for Cultural Affairs, and the MacArthur Funds for Art and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

FEST ALERT: Pivot Arts FESTIVAL June 1 – 10, 2018 Ten Days of Innovative Performances Featuring Chicago Premiere of Rude Mechs

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Pivot Arts Presents 6th annual

PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL

June 1 – 10, 2018

Ten Days of Innovative Performances

Featuring Chicago Premiere of Rude Mechs

Pivot Arts is pleased to present the 6th annual PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL, a celebration of contemporary performances and multi-disciplinary works presented throughout Chicago’s Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods from June 1 – June 10, 2018. Tickets, ranging from free to $30, are currently available at www.pivotarts.org/festival. Three-show Festival passes are available for $40.

Pivots Arts Festival 2018 Montage – The 2018 Pivot Art Festival will include (top, l to r) Rude Mechs, The? Unicorn? Hour?, Shannon Stewart (bottom, l to r) BraveSoul Movement, Walkabout Theater and the Celebrate Community! Parade.

This year, the ten-day Festival features the Chicago premiere of Rude Mechs, a theater collective from Austin, TX, who have performed at major venues across the country – joined by top artistic innovators from Chicago and beyond. Performances include theater, dance, puppetry, multidisciplinary works, site-specific performances, performances for youth, discussions and showings of new works-in-progress from the Pivot Arts Incubator program, which has developed works such as Isaac Gomez’s La Ruta, to be performed at Steppenwolf Theatre next season. 

2018 Pivot Arts Festival Trailer from Pivot Arts on Vimeo.

The Festival also features the 4th annual “Celebrate Community!” Parade on Saturday, June 2 at 3 pm, kicking off at the Senn Park (1501 W. Thorndale Ave.) and culminating in performances and interactive workshops at Senn Playlot (1501 W. Elmdale Ave.) 


Festival Preview Party
Join Pivot Arts for a sneak peek of this year’s Festival at the Festival Kick-Off Party on Thursday, May 17 at Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, 1039 W. Bryn Mawr in Chicago. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door and include appetizers, drinks, entertainment, plus a silent auction. Tickets are available at www.pivotarts.org/festival. All proceeds support the festival.

The full 2018 PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL Line-Up includes:


Nire Nah (pictured) Music artist Nire Nah will perform at the Festival Launch Party. Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis.

Friday, June 1
Festival Launch: A Night That Pops! 
8 pm, FLATSstudio, 4612 N. Clifton St.
Tickets: $10 suggested donation. Ages 21+

The 2018 Festival kicks off with live music by Nire Nah, a visual art exhibition curated by FLATSstudio, and a series of eclectic pop-up performances including a hip-hop opera by Chicago Fringe Opera with BraveSoul Movement and Cassie Bowers’ one-on-one tarot readings in Arcana Obscura, along with other artists. Dance to a DJ following the performances. The celebration includes food and drinks.


Walkabout Theater (pictured) Walkabout Theater’s stilt walkers will perform Monuments following the Celebrate Community! Parade. Photo by Tria Smith.

Saturday June 2
Celebrate Community! Parade 
Featuring Walkabout Theater’s Monuments
3 pm, meet at Senn Park Baseball Diamond (Thorndale & Greenview Aves.)
3:30 pm, Parade to Senn Playlot (1501 W. Elmdale Ave.)
Tickets: FREE.

Pivot Arts 4th annual Celebrate Community! Parade culminates in a site-specific performance of Walkabout Theater’s Monuments, a stilt performance created with artistic buoys designed by Studio Gang architectural firm. The parade includes sculptural puppets, stilt-walkers and free theater and art workshops. This year’s participants include CircEsteem, Barrel of Monkeys, Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop, Merry Music Makers, Storytown Improv, Walkabout Theater, and more! 


Corey Smith Presents The New Prairie School
7 pm, Creative Co-Working/Colvin House, 5940 N. Sheridan Rd.
Tickets: $20/$15 with student ID ($30 for both The New Prairie School and You’re His Child).

Equal parts architectural tour, immersive theater and musical performance, The New Prairie School at the Colvin House brings audience members on a fantastical journey through an historic Sheridan Road Mansion. 


Emmy Bean Presents You’re His Child
Vanessa Valliere opens with The Life and Times of Terry
9 pm, Chicago Filmmakers, 5720 N. Ridge Ave.
Tickets: $20/$15 with student ID ($30 for both You’re His Child and The New Prairie School).

A heartfelt exploration of religion, family and song. Emmy Bean brings the history of her great-grandfather to life through archival recordings of his hymns, joining his voice and her own in live musical performance. Vanessa Valliere opens with The Life and Times of Terry, the tale of one woman’s search for love through clowning, puppetry, drawings, photos and audience participation. 

Sunday, June 3
Corey Smith Presents The New Prairie School
4 pm, Creative Co-Working/Colvin House, 5490 N. Sheridan Rd.
Tickets: $20/$15 with Student ID ($30 for both The New Prairie School and You’re His Child).
Enjoy a special $15 fixed price festival menu at The Growling Rabbit (5938 N. Broadway) in between performances. Reserve for the dinner by emailing marketing@pivotarts.org. 

Equal parts architectural tour, immersive theater and musical performance, The New Prairie School at the Colvin House brings audience members on a fantastical journey through an historic Sheridan Road Mansion.

Emmy Bean Presents You’re His Child
Vanessa Valliere opens with The Life and Times of Terry
7 pm, Chicago Filmmakers, 5720 N. Ridge Ave.
Tickets: $20/$15 with student ID ($30 for both You’re His Child and The New Prairie School).  
Enjoy a special $15 fixed price menu at The Growling Rabbit (5938 N. Broadway) in between performances.

A heartfelt exploration of religion, family and song. Emmy Bean brings the history of her great-grandfather to life through archival recordings of his hymns, joining his voice and her own in live musical performance. Vanessa Valliere opens with The Life and Times of Terry, the tale of one woman’s search for love through clowning, puppetry, drawings, photos and audience participation. 

 
Monday, June 4
Broad Night: Demystifying Women’s Health 
Hosted by Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and Katy Collins
7:30 pm, Chicago Filmmakers, 5720 N. Ridge Ave.
Tickets: $15.

Broad Night kicks off with a showing from This Boat Called My Body, a play from the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health about the abortion experiences of youth across the state, and a preview of Katy Collins’ web series The Doula Is In directed by Sarah Fornace and Julia Miller of Manual Cinema. Collins, doula to the internet, will field questions about women’s health. Post-performance discussion includes artists and Melissa Widen, Chair of the Board of Directors at Personal PAC.

Wednesday, June 6
A Discussion with Rude Mechs
6 pm, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.
Tickets: FREE.

Meet Rude Mechs, who arrive from Austin, TX for their Chicago premiere as part of the Pivot Arts Festival. Tanya Palmer, Goodman Theatre’s Director of New Play Development, moderates a discussion co-hosted by Pivot Arts and the Goodman about this nationally-celebrated theater company. Rude Mechs have performed at major venues across the country including Yale Repertory Theatre, Actors Theater of Louisville, Walker Arts Center, Wexner Center and more. 


Thursday, June 7
What’s Next: Anna Martine Whitehead / Shannon Stewart and Aurora Nealand
7 pm, The Mundelein Center at Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Rd.
Tickets: $15 suggested donation.

A sneak peek at in-progress performances from Pivot Arts’ Incubator program at Loyola University. Anna Martine Whitehead premieres Notes On Territory, a multi-disciplinary movement piece on the history of containment architecture from prisons to gothic cathedrals. New Orleans-based dance and music artists Shannon Stewart and Aurora Nealand present their movement opera Hysteria and the Body Electric. Evening includes discussion with artists led by Tara Aisha Willis, Associate Curator of Performance at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Friday June 8
Rude Mechs Present Not Every Mountain
7:30 pm, The Mundelein Center at Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Rd.
Tickets: $30/$20 with student ID ($35 for both Not Every Mountain and The? Unicorn? Hour?)

The Chicago premiere of nationally-renowned theatre collective Rude Mechs’ debuting their new work Not Every Mountain, reflecting on change, permanence and our place in the natural world. Using pulleys, cranks, magnets and string, Rude Mechs simulate the life cycle of mountains on stage – an invocation of tectonic force and geological time.

The? Unicorn? Hour? (pictured) Leah Urzendowksi will present The? Unicorn? Hour? with Anthony Courser. Photo by Joe Mazza.

Leah Urzendowksi & Anthony Courser Present The? Unicorn? Hour?
9 pm, Bar 63, 6341 N. Broadway St.
Tickets: $15 ($35 for both The? Unicorn? Hour? And Not Every Mountain).



Inspired by childhood favorites Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Pee-wee’s Playhouse, The? Unicorn? Hour? is a creative experiment in unrestrained playfulness and joy. Get ready to say “yes” to an unbridled uplifting of the spirit!


Saturday, June 9
Arts and Activism
6:30 pm, Loyola University’s Institute for Environmental Sustainability, 6349 N. Kenmore Ave.
Tickets: FREE

Join Rude Mechs’ playwright, Kirk Lynn, along with Natural Resources Defense Council and Chicago Community Climate Partners in a discussion about art, climate change and environmental activism moderated by Rachel Bronson, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Then head to Rude Mechs’ Not Every Mountain for the 7:30pm show. Discussion takes place in Loyola’s new LEED certified, sustainable building. 




Rude Mechs (pictured) Rude Mechs will make their Chicago premiere with the new work Not Every Mountain. Photo by Bret Brookshire.


Rude Mechs Present Not Every Mountain
7:30 pm, The Mundelein Center at Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Rd.
Tickets: $30/$20 with student ID ($35 for both Not Every Mountain and The? Unicorn? Hour?)

The Chicago premiere of nationally-renowned theatre collective Rude Mechs’ debuting their new work Not Every Mountain, reflecting on change, permanence and our place in the natural world. Using pulleys, cranks, magnets and string, Rude Mechs simulate the life cycle of mountains on stage – an invocation of tectonic force and geological time.

Leah Urzendowksi & Anthony Courser Present The? Unicorn? Hour?
9 pm, Bar 63, 6341 N. Broadway St.
Tickets: $15 ($35 for both The? Unicorn? Hour? and Not Every Mountain).

Inspired by childhood favorites Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Pee-wee’s Playhouse, The? Unicorn? Hour? is a creative experiment in unrestrained playfulness and joy. Get ready to say “yes” to an unbridled uplifting of the spirit!

 
Sunday, June 10
Ice Cream and Improv with Storytown Improv
11 am, Lickity Split Custard and Sweets, 6056 N. Broadway St.
Tickets: $10 (custard not included).

The 6th annual tradition of ice cream (well, custard…) with Storytown Improv! An all ages show where kids design the setting and help shape the story.

Community Courtyard Kick-Off
2 pm – 7 pm, Old Bethany Church Courtyard, 5944 N. Magnolia Ave.
Tickets: FREE.

Come early and enjoy family fun throughout the afternoon. The old Bethany Lutheran Church will be having its grand re-opening. The partners at Parish House are excited to show you what's to come of this historic building. Come meet the new owners, take a history-meets-future tour of the 50,000 square foot space, and have fun with your neighbors and neighboring businesses. All ages welcome.

 
What’s Next: Ginger Krebs Performance Project / Chicago Fringe Opera & BraveSoul Movement
7:30 pm, Parish House, 5944 N. Magnolia Ave.
Tickets: $15 suggested donation.

A sneak peek at in-progress works from Pivots Arts Incubator program. Ginger Krebs Performance Project presents Escapes and Reversals, reveling in the exertion of striving bodies through dance. 

Bravesoul Movement (pictured) BraveSoul Movement will team up with Chicago Fringe Opera for The Rossini Project, transforming The Barber of Seville into a hip hop dance party.

About Pivot Arts

Pivot Arts produces and presents contemporary, multidisciplinary performance. They develop new work and present performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations lead to the support and creation of innovative performance events. For additional information, visit www.pivotarts.org.

Shannon Stewart (pictured) Dance and music artists Shannon Stewart and Aurora Nealand will present their movement opera Hysteria and the Body Electric. Photo by Diogo De Lima.

REVIEW: Immigration Integration at Pivot Arts' Don't Look Back/Must Look Back

Pivot Arts Presents the World Premiere of

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK

Directed by Devon de Mayo and Devised with the Ensemble 

Written by Tanya Palmer

Conceived by Julieanne Ehre

(front, l to r) Ashlyn Lozano, Sarah Lo and Christopher Acevedo 

All Photos by Michael Brosilow.

October 20 – November 19, 2017

A Site-Specific Performance Experience 

(left to right) Jin Park, Christopher Acevedo, Samantha Beach, Sarah Lo, Phyllis Liu and Lucy Carapetyan

REVIEW: 

Endless forms, queues, words and stairs. Information, education, investigation... In Pivot Arts' newest site specific work, the intimate audience of 16 experiences immigration integration. The journey encompasses pre-entry classes on how to request food and water, and find the bathroom if you've never seen the inside of an airplane, to ESL classes, to a barrage of questions in the citizenship application process, five years down the road. It was especially effective to be separated from the friend I came with, and herded around, not knowing where we were headed, why, and when I might see her again. The cast facilitates the process as other immigrants and immigration officials, interspersing bureaucratic instruction with poetic, frenetic synchronized motions and screen imagery.  

 (front, l to r) Ashlyn Lozano and Edward Mawere with the cast of Pivot Arts’ world premiere of DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK. 

(front) Christopher Acevedo with the cast of Pivot Arts’ world premiere of DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK. 

This production intrigued me, since my Swedish immigrant great grandparents first settled in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood 3 generations ago. Uptown was also my neighborhood for 4 years, when I first moved to Chicago in the early 90's. Although I was only coming from the suburbs of Ohio, there was still a bit of a learning curve as I acclimated to skyscrapers, urban crime, public transportation, and the best and worst our city has to offer. One of my vivid, early Uptown memories is of people in Asian conical hats, working the urban gardens next to utilitarian high rise apartments. It was such an unexpected juxtaposition to me. 

My mother was an ESL teacher for years, and we were frequent hosts to visitors from all over the world. So, I've heard many first hand adventures and adjustment stories. Still, I can only imagine the culture shock, moving to a giant city like Chicago, from another continent, speaking a different language, and scrambling to learn new customs.

(left to right) Christopher Acevedo and Ashlyn Lozano 

The Chinese Mutual Aid Association serves as an appropriate venue, that adds much to the production, via the wall art and institutional vibe. There are only two main locations in the show, with a short walk across the street, though there is much movement within the first building. If you have mobility issues, expect frequent trips up and down the stairs, and small desk seating. The closing ceremony has straw mat floor seating and only a couple chairs. I'm still recovering from major knee surgery in August, so it was a bit of a challenge for me, but I made it, albeit slowly and with painkillers in advance.

The ultimate takeaway is immigrant and refugee empathy, in a closing ceremony complete with written, folded origami promises placed in sand and a communion of unusual fruit. There are some interwoven stories gleaned from interviews with Uptown immigrants, though I was hoping for more first hand accounts of the experience. A series of personal stories would have been more interesting, though the premise of making the audience immigrants is effective. 

(left to right) Edward Mawere and Jin Park with a projected photo from James A. Bowey’s exhibit “When Home Won’t Let You Stay”

Pivot Arts is pleased to present the world premiere of DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK, a site-specific performance experience in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, directed by Devon de Mayo and devised by an ensemble of actors and designers, written by Tanya Palmer and conceived by Julieanne Ehre. Audience members are taken on an immersive journey inspired by the stories and experiences of Uptown residents, many of whom came to Uptown as refugees. 

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK will play October 20 – November 19, 2017 in various Uptown locations starting at the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, 1016 W. Argyle St. The intimate performance experience is limited to 16 audience members per show. Tickets, priced at $35, are currently on sale at pivotarts.org/events/. 

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK will feature Christopher Acevedo, Samantha Beach, Lucy Carapetyan, Phyllis Liu, Sarah Lo, Ashlyn Lozano, Edward Mawere and Jin Park.

The performance is inspired by stories of escape and loss from local residents who fled their countries and arrived here to make Uptown their home – and the systems and people that they’ve encountered along the way. Blending movement, images and storytelling, Don't Look Back/Must Look Back brings audiences into the experience of making a home in a place where everything is unfamiliar and the sands are constantly shifting beneath your feet. 

(pictured) Sarah Lo with a projected photo from James A. Bowey’s exhibit “When Home Won’t Let You Stay”

The performance also features images from documentary artist James Bowey’s exhibit “When Home Won’t Let You Stay,” a portrait of refugees in America and their stories of hope and perseverance in the face of violence and loss. For additional information, visit https://jamesbowey.atavist.com/home. 

“Don’t Look Back/Must Look Back continues Pivot Arts’ initiative to create site-specific performances where audiences participate in unique experiences,” comments Pivot Arts Director Julieanne Ehre. “Last year’s The Memory Tour took audiences on a journey through memory and Don’t Look Back/Must Look Back uses a similar format. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience the lives of local residents and refugees while moving through various locations.” 

The production team includes Patricia Nguyen (associate director), John Blick (production manager), James Bowey (video and photographs), Connor Ciesil (sound designer), kClare McKellaston (costume designer), Justine B. Palmisano (stage manager), Giau Truong (lighting and installation designer), Sammy Ziesel (assistant director) and Adrian Shelton (production assistant).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Location: Begins at Chinese Mutual Aid Association, 1016 W. Argyle St.
Regular run: Friday, October 27 – Sunday, November 19, 2017
Curtain Times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $35.Tickets are currently available at pivotarts.org/events/.

A FREE pre-show event will be held on Sunday, October 29 at 5:30 pm at 1016 W. Argyle St. Artist and performance scholar Patricia Nyugen will moderate a discussion with her father, Vietnamese Activist, Tam Nyugen, artists from the Pivot Arts production and clients and staff from Chinese Mutual Aid Association. For additional information, visit pivotarts.org/events/.  

DON’T LOOK BACK/ MUST LOOK BACK is funded in part by an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts with major in-kind support from Chinese Mutual Aid Association.

About the Artists
Devon de Mayo is a director, devisor and teacher. Most recently, she directed Harvey at Court Theatre. Other directing credits include: You on the Moors Now (The Hypocrites), Sycamore (Raven Theatre), Animals Out of Paper (Shattered Globe Theatre), You Can't Take it With You at (Northlight Theatre), Jet Black Chevrolet (side project), Lost in Yonkers (Northlight Theatre), Compulsion and Everything is Illuminated (Next Theatre); An Actor Prepares (University of Chicago); and Roadkill Confidential, The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler and Clouds (Dog & Pony). Directing and devising credits include: Guerra: A Clown Play, a collaboration with Mexico City based artists La Piara (performances in Mexico City, Chicago, New York, Bogota, Albuquerque and Madrid); The Whole World is Watching (Dog & Pony Theatre Co. with Chicago Park District), Infiltrating Bounce (San Antonio Luminaria Festival), The Twins Would Like To Say (Dog & Pony at Steppenwolf Theatre), As Told by the Vivian Girls (Dog & Pony). In 2015, she served as Resident Director under Stephen Daldry for The Audience on Broadway. Devon also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, Loyola University and the University of Chicago. She received her MFA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University in London.

Tanya Palmer is a dramaturg and playwright. Her plays include Body Talk, Fatherland, Barbra Live at Canyon Ranch, Spring and Trash and The Memory Tour, and have been developed or produced at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Hangar Theatre, Solar Stage, the Montreal Fringe Festival, The Harbourfront Centre, HERE and Pivot Arts, where she is an Artistic Associate. She is a member of MC-10, a newly formed Playwrights Collective in residence at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Her work has been published by Smith & Kraus, Samuel French and Playscripts, Inc. She is the Director of New Play Development at Goodman Theatre, where she coordinates New Stages, the theater’s new play program, and has served as the production dramaturg on a number of plays including the world premieres of 2666 by Roberto Bolaño, adapted and directed by Seth Bockley and Robert Falls; Smokefall by Noah Haidle, The Happiest Song Plays Last by Quiara Hudes and the Pulitzer Prize–winning Ruined by Lynn Nottage. Prior to her arrival in Chicago, she served as the director of new play development at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where she led the reading and selection process for the Humana Festival of New American Plays. She is the co-editor, with Amy Wegener and Adrien-Alice Hansel, of four collections of Humana Festival plays, published by Smith & Kraus, as well as two collections of 10-minute plays published by Samuel French. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she holds an MFA in playwriting from York University in Toronto.

Julieanne Ehre is the founder and the director of Pivot Arts. She both leads the organization and curates performances including the Pivot Arts Festival, Live Talk series and conceived/directed The Memory Tour. She was the NEA/TCG New Generations “Future Leaders” Fellow at the Goodman Theatre, where she served as producer on Latino Festival, New Stages Series and conceived of and produced the Goodman’s Artists Talk series. Julieanne served as a delegate to the Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile and the ITI World Theater Congress in Xiamen, China through Theater Communications Group and was the co-chair of the Arts and Culture Committee for Chicago’s 48th Ward. As the Artistic Director of Greasy Joan & Co. for five years, she directed and produced critically acclaimed and premiere adaptations of classic plays and worked as a freelance theater director. Ehre holds an MFA in Directing from Northwestern University.

About Pivot Arts

Pivot Arts produces and presents contemporary and multi-disciplinary performance. They develop new work and present performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations lead to the support and creation of innovative performance events.

 (front, l to r) Sarah Lo and Lucy Carapetyan with the cast of Pivot Arts’ world premiere of 

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

OPENING: World Premiere of Immigrant Stories, DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK Via Pivot Arts 10/20-11/19

Pivot Arts Presents the World Premiere of

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK

Conceived by Julieanne Ehre

Written by Tanya Palmer

Directed by Devon De Mayo

October 20 – November 19, 2017

 (left to right) Jin Park, Ashlyn Lozano and Phyllis Liu 

Photo by Austin D. Oie.

Pivot Arts is pleased to present the world premiere of DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK, a site-specific performance experience in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, conceived by Julieanne Ehre, written by Tanya Palmer, directed by Devon de Mayo and devised by an ensemble of actors and designers. Audience members are taken on an immersive journey inspired by the stories and experiences of Uptown residents, many of whom came to Uptown as refugees. 

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK will play October 20 – November 19, 2017 in various Uptown locations starting at the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, 1016 W. Argyle St. The intimate performance experience is limited to 16 audience members per show. Tickets, priced at $35, are currently on sale at pivotarts.org/events/.

DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK will feature Christopher Acevedo, Samantha Beach, Lucy Carapetyan, Phyllis Liu, Sarah Lo, Ashlyn Lozano, Edward Mawere and Jin Park.

The performance is inspired by stories of escape and loss from local residents who fled their countries and arrived here to make Uptown their home – and the systems and people that they’ve encountered along the way. Blending movement, images and storytelling, Don't Look Back/Must Look Back brings audiences into the experience of making a home in a place where everything is unfamiliar and the sands are constantly shifting beneath your feet. 

The performance also features images from documentary artist James Bowey’s exhibit “When Home Won’t Let You Stay,” a portrait of refugees in America and their stories of hope and perseverance in the face of violence and loss. For additional information, visit https://jamesbowey.atavist.com/home. 

“Don’t Look Back/Must Look Back continues Pivot Arts’ initiative to create site-specific performances where audiences participate in unique experiences,” comments Pivot Arts Director Julieanne Ehre. “Last year’s The Memory Tour took audiences on a journey through memory and Don’t Look Back/Must Look Back uses a similar format. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience the lives of local residents and refugees while moving through various locations.” 

The production team includes Patricia Nguyen (associate director), John Blick (production manager), James Bowey (video and photographs), Connor Ciesil (sound designer), kClare  McKellaston (costume designer), Justine B. Palmisano (stage manager), Giau Truong (lighting and installation designer) and Sammy Ziesel (assistant director). 

(front right) Ashlyn Lozano with (back, l to r) Jin Park, Phyllis Liu, Christopher Acevedo, Samantha Beach, Lucy Carapetyan and Edward Mawere 

Photo by Austin D. Oie.

Location: Begins at Chinese Mutual Aid Association, 1016 W. Argyle St.
Dates: Previews: Friday, October 20 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Friday, October 27 – Sunday, November 19, 2017
Curtain Times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $35.Tickets are currently available at pivotarts.org/events/.

A special event held on Sunday, October 22 at 5:30 pm at 1027 W. Argyle St. includes a discussion with lead artists on DON’T LOOK BACK/MUST LOOK BACK along with an opportunity to learn more about the work of Chinese Mutual Aid Association and other local organizations who serve refugees. More information can be found at pivotarts.org/events/.

DON’T LOOK BACK/ MUST LOOK BACK is funded in part by an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts with major in-kind support from Chinese Mutual Aid Association.

About the Artists
Julieanne Ehre is the founder and the director of Pivot Arts. She both leads the organization and curates performances including the Pivot Arts Festival, Live Talk series and conceived/directed The Memory Tour. She was the NEA/TCG New Generations “Future Leaders” Fellow at the Goodman Theatre, where she served as producer on Latino Festival, New Stages Series and conceived of and produced the Goodman’s Artists Talk series. Julieanne served as a delegate to the Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile and the ITI World Theater Congress in Xiamen, China through Theater Communications Group and was the co-chair of the Arts and Culture Committee for Chicago’s 48th Ward. As the Artistic Director of Greasy Joan & Co. for five years, she directed and produced critically acclaimed and premiere adaptations of classic plays and worked as a freelance theater director. Ehre holds an MFA in Directing from Northwestern University.

Tanya Palmer is a dramaturg and playwright. Her plays include Body Talk, Fatherland, Barbra Live at Canyon Ranch, Spring and Trash and The Memory Tour, and have been developed or produced at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Hangar Theatre, Solar Stage, the Montreal Fringe Festival, The Harbourfront Centre, HERE and Pivot Arts, where she is an Artistic Associate. She is a member of MC-10, a newly formed Playwrights Collective in residence at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Her work has been published by Smith & Kraus, Samuel French and Playscripts, Inc. She is the Director of New Play Development at Goodman Theatre, where she coordinates New Stages, the theater’s new play program, and has served as the production dramaturg on a number of plays including the world premieres of 2666 by Roberto Bolaño, adapted and directed by Seth Bockley and Robert Falls; Smokefall by Noah Haidle, The Happiest Song Plays Last by Quiara Hudes and the Pulitzer Prize–winning Ruined by Lynn Nottage. Prior to her arrival in Chicago, she served as the director of new play development at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where she led the reading and selection process for the Humana Festival of New American Plays. She is the co-editor, with Amy Wegener and Adrien-Alice Hansel, of four collections of Humana Festival plays, published by Smith & Kraus, as well as two collections of 10-minute plays published by Samuel French. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she holds an MFA in playwriting from York University in Toronto.

Devon de Mayo is a director, devisor and teacher. Most recently, she directed Harvey at Court Theatre. Other directing credits include: You on the Moors Now (The Hypocrites), Sycamore (Raven Theatre), Animals Out of Paper (Shattered Globe Theatre), You Can't Take it With You at (Northlight Theatre), Jet Black Chevrolet (side project), Lost in Yonkers (Northlight Theatre), Compulsion and Everything is Illuminated (Next Theatre); An Actor Prepares (University of Chicago); and Roadkill Confidential, The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler and Clouds (Dog & Pony). Directing and devising credits include: Guerra: A Clown Play, a collaboration with Mexico City based artists La Piara (performances in Mexico City, Chicago, New York, Bogota, Albuquerque and Madrid); The Whole World is Watching (Dog & Pony Theatre Co. with Chicago Park District), Infiltrating Bounce (San Antonio Luminaria Festival), The Twins Would Like To Say (Dog & Pony at Steppenwolf Theatre), As Told by the Vivian Girls (Dog & Pony). In 2015, she served as Resident Director under Stephen Daldry for The Audience on Broadway. Devon also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, Loyola University and the University of Chicago. She received her MFA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University in London.

About Pivot Arts
Pivot Arts produces and presents contemporary and multi-disciplinary performance. They develop new work and present performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations lead to the support and creation of innovative performance events.

FESTS ON OUR RADAR: Art Meets Science at Pivot Arts Fest May 28-June 14

“Art Meets Science” themed festival brings adult shows & family friendly fun to Chicago

Pivot Arts Festival is an amazing and affordable celebration of improvisation, film, dance, theater, music and much, much more compacted into two-and-a-half weeks starting May 28. 

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!  Book your tickets today! Full schedule is below.

2 Fab Fam Friendly Picks:

*Storytown is presenting an improv show at Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop specifically for kids dubbed “Ice Cream & Science Improv” on June 1^st at 12 p.m. 

Mmmmm.  Here at ChiIL Mama, we came from an improv background and founded a troupe at Miami University in Oxford that lasted over 20 years!  So, we dig improv. It also doesn't get much more chill than custard & ice cream. We are SO there.

*Next is The Dance COLEctive’s 13, which explores the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years through character based dance. The show is recommended for kids ages 10 and up with a parent/guardian. This plays May 31^st and  June 1^st at 3 p.m. at Swift Elementary school.

I used to joke about life with toddlers and young kids as endless theatre in the round. Now with 11 & 13 year olds, we're living this scenario -- the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years. Can't wait to check out The Dance COLEctive's 13!

PIVOT ARTS 

SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE THEATER, MUSIC AND DANCE, “ART MEETS SCIENCE,”

MAY 28 – JUNE 14 IN LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT FAR NORTH SIDE

The Performance Festival Features Numerous Companies/Artists Including BAATHHAUS, the dilettantes, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, The Honeypots, Jon Langford, The Seldoms and More, with Range of Science Themes and Events

Pivot Arts launches its second annual celebration of innovative performance events, May 28 – June 14, throughout Chicago’s Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. The PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL serves to bring audiences together for unique performance events. This year the festival’s focus highlights the intersection between the performing arts and science. Tickets are currently on sale for “Art Meets Science” with a range of free events and entrance fees no higher than $15 per event. To purchase tickets and for complete festival information, visit www.pivotarts.org/festival or call 773.609.0782. 

Over three weeks, audiences have the opportunity to attend inventive performances and events curated around science themes as diverse as acoustics, climate change and chaos theory.  Programming includes: live music, theater, dance, a House music dance party, a participatory science experiment, discussions and performances for children.

Participating groups/artists in the 2014 Pivot Arts Festival include: 

The artists lineup looks amazing. We've highlighted some of ChiIL Live Shows top picks and long time favs in red.

6018NORTH, About Face Theatre, Greg Allen, Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape, BAATHHAUS, Seth Bockley, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago Filmmakers, The Dance COLEctive, the dilettantes, Lisa Dillman, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, High Concept Laboratory, Andrew Hinderaker, The Honeypots, Knife and Fork, Kristina Isabelle, Jon Langford, Ruth Margraff, Shannon Matesky, Bonnie Metzgar, Brett Neveu, The Seldoms, Chuck Smith, Storytown, Tanya Palmer and Vanessa Valliere.*

The 2014 Pivot Arts Festival “Art Meets Science” takes place throughout Uptown, Edgewater, and Rogers Park including: Alternatives, Inc., FLATSstudio, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop, and Loyola University’s Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

*Artists and venues subject to change.

“We founded Pivot Arts last year as a home for innovative performance on the far north side of Chicago. Our festival continues as a celebration of unique performance events that bring people together and enhance our community. The exploration of ‘art meets science’ this year builds off our focus on innovation and discovery,” said Julieanne Ehre, director of Pivot Arts.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

THE BIG BANG!

A Kick-Off Celebration

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr • $30

1039 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue • 6 p.m.

The festival’s opening celebration includes a special drink in beakers, silent auction, food, wine, beer, performances, and science-themed fun. 

FRIDAY, MAY 30

ECOLOGY OF EATING

Alternatives, Inc. • $15

4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.

Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.

Pivot Arts presents We Gotta Eat 

Written and Performed by Shannon Matesky

Directed by Chuck Smith

Actress Shannon Matesky (Hit the Wall) weaves together a potluck of humorous and moving stories about the underclass that will engage your heart in the practice of understanding.

Knife and Fork presents Worthy

Created and Directed by Dani Bryant. Devised by Knife & Fork

The empowering stories of Uptown’s Alternative Youth teens inspire this newly devised piece.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

The Dance COLEctive presents 13

Swift Elementary School • $10

5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.

Through movement and text, 13 creates an authentic and humorous exploration of the transition from childhood to the teenage years.  Recommended for ages 10 years and older and their parents/guardians.

ECOLOGY OF EATING

Alternatives, Inc. • $15

4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.

Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.

(See descriptions of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)

Chicago Filmmakers presents GROWING CITIES

Chicago Filmmakers  • $8 suggested donation

5243 N. Clark Street • 8 p.m.

A documentary film that examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.

Pivot Arts presents The Acoustics Of House!

Recreating the House music scene of the 1980s, this unique event is part performance, part dance party.  Food and drinks available for purchase. 

FLATSstudio • $15 must be 21+ with valid ID to enter. 

1050 W. Wilson Avenue • Doors open at 8 p.m.

Performances include:

8 p.m. DJ with live music

8:30 p.m. The Honeypots present Juke Cry Hand Clap

A House music-inspired dance performance by the Honeypots.

9:30 p.m. DJ with live music

10 p.m. BAATHHAUS

The queer-performance-art-group-band combines popular music with glitter and gore – creating an electrifying performance.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Storytown presents Ice Cream & Science Improv

Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop - $7

6056 N. Broadway • 12 p.m.

Enjoy traditional custard and a hilarious, science-themed improv show for kids.

The Dance COLEctive presents 13

Swift Elementary School • $10

5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.

(See descriptions above of 13 from Saturday, May 31.)

ECOLOGY OF EATING

Alternatives, Inc.  • $15

4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.

Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.

(See descriptions above of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)

Special Event: On The Table. You are invited to share dinner with the artists of Knife & Fork and engage in lively conversation following the 7 p.m. performance.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

6018NORTH, Pivot Arts and Sustain Edgewater present Art, Architecture And Energy: What Is To Be Done? 

6018NORTH • FREE

6018 N. Kenmore Ave. • 7 p.m.

A free panel discussion on the arts, architecture and energy efficiency. Three fields with the potential to shape and transform our world will move across issues from recycling as art to the local impact of climate change to large scale energy initiatives.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

DARK MATTER

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.

Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.

Gashlycrumb Orphanage

Devised by Lacy Katherine Campbell and Jeff Trainor. 

Directed by Halena Kays. 

Inspired by Tim Burton and Edward Gorey, this macabre clown show has the orphans running the orphanage.  A thrilling, theatrical ride that plunges into questions of identity and origin through dance, music, rhyme and a whirlwind of styles.

Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.

Curated by Julieanne Ehre and Tanya Palmer, director of new plays from the Goodman Theatre, these shorts include premiere playwrights, writers, and performers responding to a variety of science themes.  Confirmed writers as of press: Greg Allen, Seth Bockley, Lisa Dillman, Andrew Hinderaker, Ruth Margraff, Bonnie Metzgar and Brett Neveu.  Full line-up TBA.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

DARK MATTER

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.

Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.

Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.

(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Chicago Architectural Foundation presents UPTOWN WALKING TOUR • $15 or FREE for members

Wilson Avenue Theater 1050 W. Wilson Avenue • 10:30 a.m.

A special two-hour walking tour in the heart of Uptown includes the artistry of terra cotta ornamentation and Jazz Age entertainment venues.

LAWS OF MOTION

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.

Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.

AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents

Ayako Kato explores the ripple effect of chaos theory as well as mirror combinations of Euclidian geometry in her stunning dance work that highlights necessity vs. chance.

THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction Ahead

A dance theater work that surveys our rancorous national debate over climate change, and divergent positions ranging from denial to urgency. The Chicago Reader said of its 2012 premiere, "[Artistic Director Carrie] Hanson’s satirical, deadly serious piece bursts a lot of bubbles on a high-stakes subject.”

THE DILETTANTES present Science Night

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.

Is it life or is it art? Audiences participate in a game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory.  Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.  Play or observe the game in action!

DARK MATTER

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.

Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.

Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.

(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

LAWS OF MOTION

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.

Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.

AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents

THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction (See descriptions above of The Incidents and Exit Disclaimer: Science and Fiction from Saturday, June 7.)

THE DILETTANTES present Science Night

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.

(See description above from Saturday, June 7.)

DARK MATTER

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.

Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.

Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.

(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

MONDAY, JUNE 9

     Jon Langford-Take Me

Pivot Arts presents Songs from TAKE ME

Book by Mark Guarino, songs by Jon Langford

Directed by Julieanne Ehre

Uncommon Ground 1401 W. Devon Ave • $10 • 8 p.m.

A performance of songs by Mekons founder, Jon Langford, from a new musical-in-progress about a man contacted by extraterrestrials who want him to build an alien theme park.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

About Face Theatre presents LESBIANS AND LITERATURE

Curated by Paul Oakley Stovall

Location TBA • 7 p.m. • $15

Lesbians have had a lasting, but often unsung, impact on English literature.  About Face Theatre, led by Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, hosts a panel discussion/performance exploring Sappho; the lesbian couple behind James Joyce's Ulysses; and beyond.

the dilettantes present SCIENCE NIGHT

Location TBA • 9 p.m. • $15

A late night game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory.  Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

GRAVITY!

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.

Performers defy physics in these two exciting shows.

Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser

Everybody has problems: sometimes your parasitic twin wants her own solo career and sometimes your toys are really critical of your artwork. This hilarious clown show by Vanessa Valliere (Mucca Pazza) will warm you up giggling before Kristina Isabelle’s stunning LEVELS AND LINES.

Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines

The festival culminates in a weekend of performances by esteemed Julliard Dance Graduate, Kristina Isabelle, whose company performs an elegant dance work – on stilts!

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

GRAVITY!

Performers defy physics in two exciting shows.

Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser

Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines

Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15

1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.

(See description above of Nice Try/The Sisters and Level and Lines from Friday, June 13.)

ABOUT PIVOT ARTS

Pivot Arts develops new work and presents performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations leads to the support and creation of innovative performances.  Pivot Arts was founded in September 2012.

Pivot Arts Board includes Alyssa Berman-Cutler, Uptown United; April Browning, Loyola University Chicago; Julieanne Ehre Pivot Arts; Dr. Mark E. Lococo, Loyola University Chicago; Gretchen Halpin, Hewins Financial Advisors; Summur Roberts, Loyola University Chicago and Kathy Van Zwoll, marketing consultant.

The Pivot Arts Advisory Board includes Alderman James Cappleman, 46^th Ward; Sarah Gabel, chair of Department of Fine Arts, Loyola University Chicago; Peter Kuntz, arts consultant; Kristin Larsen, executive director, Stage 773; Jay Michael, chief creative officer, FLATS Chicago; Alderman Harry Osterman, 48^th Ward; Michael Rohd, artistic director, Sojourn Theatre and Steve Scott, associate producer, Goodman Theatre.

Premiere Pivot Arts Festival 2014 “At Meets Science” Sponsors as of press release include FLATS Chicago, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Loyola University Chicago and Uptown United.

Social Media:

Facebook: /pivotarts

Twitter: @PivotArts

Web: pivotarts.org