Graffiti Dance Theater Returns to Orcas Center

Sunday, July 23, 6:30 p.m., Orcas Center

— from Susannah Weaver for Orcas Center —

Orcas Center welcomes Graffiti Dance Theater back to Center Stage for their 3rd season. Once again the choreographers working with WWU’s Dance Theatre Ensemble have turned to diverse subjects for the dances they are performing at Orcas Center. Bring the whole family for an innovative night of dance on Center Stage Sunday, July 23 at 6:30 pm.

The repertory of Graffiti Dance this season is largely narrative in nature and might best be described as Dance Theater. The story lines are inspired by love; a festive romp as sweet as a first kiss, a suite of dances based on attraction—first attraction for another —then attraction that turns into obsession—and finally the attraction that becomes oblivion when two people realize at the same moment that they have fallen. Additionally, there is a duet drawn from characters inspired by the photo artistry of Robert Parke-Harrison. The characters are a little mad, a little heartbreaking, a little sinister, a little magical. Archetypal and those looking for a story in movement will be well satisfied.

The rhapsodic music of Astor Piazzola and the intriguing music of Istvan Marta performed by Kronos String Quartet make up part of the musical offerings for the evening. In addition to the narrative works already mentioned, there are several choreographic constructions where the human body is simply used as an instrument of architectural design.

Graffiti Dance Theater, under the artistic direction of Nolan Dennett, is a contemporary theater dance company in residence at Western Washington University and is comprised of 10-12 dancers—current dance majors or graduates from the outlying community. Family oriented programming with enough spice and vinegar to please any palate. You won’t want to miss this night of contemporary dance on Sunday, July 23 at 6:30 pm at the Orcas Center.

Tickets for Graffiti Dance Theater are $17 for adults, $13 for students, $2 off for Orcas Center members. $5 subsidized tickets available at the Box Office. Tickets may only be purchased on the Orcas Center website or by calling 376-2281 ext 1 or visiting the Orcas Center box office during box office hours which are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12-3 pm. For more information about Orcas Center 2016 season events, please visit www.orcascenter.org.