First Breath -- Last Breath (World Premiere) April 27, 2012

Fri, April 27, 8 pm & Sat, April 28, 2 pm and 8 pm

Bad Unkl Sista presents the world premiere of "First Breath - Last Breath." Melding Butoh, dance, aerial installations, couture costuming, elaborate sets that double as percussion instruments, film and music, "First Breath - Last Breath" is at once a spectacle and a meditation on life and death. Directed, choreographed and costumed by Artistic Director and Bad Unkl Sista founder, Anastazia Louise, First Breath - Last Breath is a performance event where structured design and spontaneous surprise share equal weight.

For "First Breath - Last Breath" one must imagine a grand procession, a celebration of life paired with the ritual celebration of death-sometime lavish, sometimes somber. Utilizing the apocalyptic nuances of Butoh and the exhilaration of dance, "First Breath - Last Breath" travels between improvisational extremes while following a defined narrative structure.

"Each performance contains elements of surprise for the audience and the performers," explains Anastazia. "There are moments choreographed into every performance where each dancer-at different times-is metaphorically pushed to the edge of a cliff and asked to jump off. The direction of the performance from there is an unknown for all."

Known also for her unique fusion of performance with costuming and wearable art, Anastazia has created the extravagantly layered garments and headpieces worn by all of the performers in "First Breath - Last Breath."

Composer and Music Director Goyo Aranaga has created the sound scape for "First Breath - Last Breath" by weaving together acoustic and electronic instrumentation, as well as inspiration from a wide array of classical and contemporary sources. The score will be performed live on stage by Goyo, along with electronic musician F'kir Eldercake, soprano Julia Hathaway, multi-instrumentalist Connor Jon O'Sullivan, violist Surly, and percussionist Daniel Yasmin.

Official Website: http://badunklsista.com