Holly Harris – Page 2 – Analog Artist Digital World

“Connected : The Interactive Experience” is the story of a man named Jacob who has shut himself off relationally from the world around him. As Jacob faces moments from his past that have caused him to isolate himself, he is awakened to deeper levels of intimacy in his current reality.

But Jacob isn’t the only one journeying into his memory. Through the use of technology, The Guide invites each audience member on a unique, introspective journey into their own emotional, physical and relational past. This illuminating process of discovery will welcome the audience into introspective and interactive moments that will surely be risky, challenging, humorous and healing.

This 60 minute theatrical experience combines drama, choreography and technology to connect the audience with the performers on stage, with one another and to the deepest parts of themselves.

I first learned about “Connected” when I went to Cole NeSmith‘s Facebook page to ask him about “The Tree of Light”. It turns out that “The Tree of Light” will be installed at Lake Eola on a cement pier that juts out into the lake on the Roseland Avenue side. The tree is just on hold until Cole finishes his work on “Connected.” When I asked Cole if he felt that the Connected rehearsals are “sketchable”, he replied, “Yes, stop on by tonight!”

The rehearsal was at Downtown Credo (706 W Smith Street). Credo is a coffee shop in College Park where you pay what you want for your hot cup of Joe. I couldn’t imagine a dance rehearsal in a coffee shop so I had to see for myself. When I arrived, I noticed the dancers warming up in a back room. Holly Harris, the choreographer told me I could sketch from anywhere. I couldn’t place Holly, but she later let me know that she did the choreography for “The Pink Ribbon Project” which I had sketched. There was a couch in the room where the dancers were warming up so that is where I ended up. The cushions kept me from moving my arm as I drew, so I sat on the arm of the couch and moved the back cushion for freedom of movement.

In the first dance sequence, Cole sat in the center of the room wearing headphones and sunglasses. He held a flashlight which illuminated the ceiling. Dancers explored and swirled around him essentially guiding away from his insular world. Holly explained that some of the dancers would be holding canvas panels which would catch the shadows cast by fellow dancers. The dance studio was dark and Cole began to explore the edges of the staging area which meant he would be interacting with the audience. At one point, he lit up my sketch pad and looked down in wonder.

The second dance sequence was even more complicated. Dancers walked along diagonal lines and then froze for a moment while Cole moved among them. Later a group of four dancers stood center stage and individual dancers would move between them being tuned and toned through touch in a swift staccato factory styling before moving off refreshed and invigorated. Holly explained that these central dancers were “teaching people to connect.”

Connected will be premiering at the Green Venue at the Orlando International Fringe Festival in May. Tickets are $9 plus a Fringe button which is good for all the Fringe shows. Mark your calendar and get Connected!

Thursday 17 May; at 7:45pm
Saturday 19 May; at 8:30pm
Sunday 20 May; at 11:30am
Monday 21 May; at 5:45pm
Tuesday 22 May; at 8:45pm
Friday 25 May; at 10:15pm
Saturday 26 May; at 2:45pm

The Pink Ribbon Project directed by Aradhana Tiwari incorporated all the art forms to dramatic effect. Her mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Aradhana felt she had to do something, anything, to help. She called together artists of all disciplines to create a show that deals with the physical, mental, and emotional realities of dealing with breast cancer. Though dealing in harsh realities the show also has light moments where I found myself laughing out loud. Ironically when laughing, the deeper emotions have a chance to percolate and surface. Multiple stories intermingle and unfold. Life’s mosaic is sifted for gems. Actors and artists stories are real and told from the heart.

Dancers took to the stage seated in four chairs. Holly Harris choreographed a dance routine which began with nervous anticipation and waiting. When the chairs were in position, they were spiked, meaning glow tape marked where they would be placed in the show. Mundane everyday movements were ignited and intensified. Dancers bit their nails and shook their legs with nervous energy. Heads ticked to the side in beat to the music. At one point the dancers walked as if through quicksilver, lines crossing center stage. A dancer twirled and fell then was lifted by a male dancer in scrubs and taken off stage. The dance was energetic sensuous and vibrant. Everyone in the rehearsal shouted and clapped.

When audience members enter the theater they walk past a large canvas that is lit from behind. People are invited to write their fears on the canvas. In the final moments of the show, the canvas is rolled out center stage. An artist begins to paint white over all the fears. Fear transitions to hope. Art is used to heal. Each of the characters in the play enters and they watch the transformation. A married couple whose relationship was strained by the emotional challenges of fighting breast cancer end up walking away hand in hand. Perhaps together they can fight and win.

There are only two performances of The Pink Ribbon Project left, tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm. Performances are at the Orlando Repertory Theater, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. Admission is $20 for general seating and $150 for a “giving seating” ticket. Purchasing a “giving seat” ticket will fund one mammogram for an uninsured woman. To purchase tickets, go to www.playthemoment.com or call 321-662-0611. Proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, which provides diagnostic testing and treatment for uninsured and under served women in Central Florida.