stolen grounds

Presented by Gibney Dance Center Double Plus curated by Donna Uchizono, December 5, 2014

stolen grounds uses a dense, polyrhythmic score to expose the raw power of the female body. Looking at the tyranny of form and physical virtuosity in dance, Poerstel asks her dancers to shed any layers of superficiality. Instead, they must respond to the physical fatigue brought on by Poerstel’s athletic choreography with unmitigated frustration and rebellion.

Choreography by Molly Poerstel

Performers: Alice MacDonald and Mary Read

Costumes:  Molly Poerstel

Sound Design: Samuel Taylor and Molly Poerstel (Live)

Lighting Design:  Mandy Ringger

Press

Culturebot, Stormy Budwig

“...Alice MacDonald and Mary Read walk an invisible, intricate grid system in Molly Poerstel’s dance (stolen grounds). They wear distinctive costumes of lame tops, sparkling, chunky jewelry, rehearsal pants, and tennis shoes. Their gaze is well-rehearsed and intense; Poerstel’s choreography is like an ode to potential ways to move across the planet.”

The Dance Enthusiast, Trina Manino

“... stolen grounds is a relentless beast for Poerstel’s dancers Alice MacDonald and Mary Read. The polyrhythmic score demands precision and constant vigilance from the dancers -- only allowing them to catch their breath for brief moments...”

“Perversely provocative, stolen grounds’ destructive and sadistic tone reveals the tyrannical nature of dance making.”