V E L V E T

An exploration of texture. Where can we find softness in a harsh world?  How do we find luxury as a state of consciousness? 

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Velvet features four women. Two Metropolitan Opera Principal Dancers, Maria Phegan and Hsin-Ping Chang, are striking silhouettes in black stilettos. Given increasingly challenging tasks we see them struggle to maintain balance.

Contributing to both the visual and sonic landscape, New York City Ballet Orchestra violinist Sarah Pratt plays soaring live violin over Alison's Clancy score; waves of distorted and delayed electric guitar. Alison follows Sarah around the stage holding a microphone to her violin and trying to move in alignment with Sarah's natural movement of playing. 

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The twin pair of shadows highlights relationships between women as they frame, amplify, undress, care for, follow and experience each other. There is high attunement to subtle sensations... as if each note played on the violin, or each gesture of the body, is as tactile as velvet across the skin.