FORBIDDEN BOUNDARIES
Choreography: Frank Chaves
Music: Michael Cusson, Evan Solot, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Gustavo Santoalalla
Additional Sound Editing: John Menella/ID Music
Lighting and Scenic Design: Christopher Ash
Costume Design: Jackson Lowell
Costume Construction: Lynn Ziehe
Invitation:
Dancers: 10
Hidden Truth:
Dancers: 3
Harmony:
Dancers: 8
Confrontation:
Dancers: Ensemble
"Chaves' use of Jackson Lowell's costume design is nothing short of brilliant - and his premise is extremely relatable in this way, Chaves executes his mission to make dance accessible."
- Laura Whalen, Chicago Theater Beat
"Fierce and original."
- Hedy Weiss, The Chicago Sun-Times
"The most stunning piece of choreography and dancing I had seen in a long time was 'Forbidden Boundaries.' The three dancers display beautiful lines, lyric movement quality, strength and grace through unconventional choreography and use of props. The effect was stunning... incredibly touching and ultimately empowering."
- Jess Ruhin, Spring to Dance, St. Louis
Artistic Director Frank Chaves premiered this ground-breaking piece at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance in Chicago as part of RNDC’s 20th Anniversary Season. Chaves initially conceptualized this piece when he was creating Underground Movements (2006), where the dancers utilize an unusual prop—an elastic and ever-expanding shirt—to portray the push/pull of internal, personal struggles in four sections: Invitation, Hidden Truth, Harmony and Confrontation.
“In our quest for happiness and a well-balanced life we usually find ourselves bumping up against one huge obstacle, ourselves. More often than not the only thing standing in the way of success is us. We tend to forbid ourselves that success by creating boundaries too difficult to break through, too difficult to understand. The answer to this conundrum continues to elude me. Why, when we know how, do we forbid ourselves to succeed, to grow, to change? The only thing holding you back is you.” –Artistic Director Frank Chaves
Generously underwritten by Lauren Robishaw, Bill and Orli Staley Foundation/William D. and Orli Staley, and John Ryskiewicz in memory of Marva Ryskiewicz. Additional support from Pamela Atkinson, Timothy C. Sherk and Anonymous in memory of Jeff Lane