When: February 1, 2014 at 8pm

Where: Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

Metro: Columbia Heights or U Street (Green/Yellow Line)

Tickets: $15

Reservations and Info: 301 652-3427

 

 

The Program:

 

(the) nature (of things) likes to hide takes its inspiration from seven fragments of ancient philosophical writings by Herakleitos. Choreographer Nancy Havlik, music director Daniel Barbiero and the dancers explore these fragments through movement and music improvisation to discover its voice.

 

The piece features spoken word, with the dancers reciting fragments of the Ancient Greek text, dating from 500 BCE. The Subtle Body Transmission Orchestra, led by Barbiero on double bass, utilizes percussion, flute, alto saxophone and vibraphone.

 

Daniel Barbiero discusses his composition in Bourgeon Magazine here.

 

The performers use the atrium, staircases, corridors, balconies and alcoves of the elegant Josephine Butler Parks Center, taking the audience on a journey through the house, ending with a final ensemble resolution in the classically-inspired architecture of the ballroom.

 

The Performers:

 

Nancy Havlik’s Dance Performance Group:

Choreography: Nancy Havlik

Dancers: Alexey Brazhnikov, Amanda Blythe, Ken Manheimer, Rose Mohon, Angela Schopke, Hannah Whitley, Justin Wyss-Gallifent

The Subtle Body Transmission Orchestra:

Musical Director: Daniel Barbiero (double bass)

Sam Byrd (percussion & objects)

Jimmy Ghaphery (reeds & flutes)

Tim Harding (alto saxophone)

Rich O'Meara (vibraphone & percussion)

with Sulochana R. Asirvatham (vocals)

 

The Venue:

 

The Josephine Butler Parks Center was built in 1927 in the Renaissance Revival style for the widow of Senator John B. Henderson. Subsequent decades saw the building used by the American Legion, as the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Hungary and by the New China News Agency. The Center is currently the headquarters for the non-profit Washington Parks and People partnership, managing environmental reclamation, tree planting and park programming by community volunteers and trainees.