BATTLEDRESS is an evening of dance, costume design and an original music score. The work explores underlying dark tones of gender. It challenges preconceptions of the female by juxtaposing stereotypical femininity with powerful figures clad in protective armor via costume design. At times, the women are held captive in unwanted skirt cages; later, they are stern, statuesque, performing gestures of authority. The performance depicts an internal battle as its characters attempt to deconstruct their assigned roles.
Direction/Choreography/Costume Design: Jenny Rocha
Original Music Composition: Joseph Rivas
Performers: Courtney Drasner, Jillian Hollis, Jenny Rocha and ensemble
Photos: Mark Shelby Perry, Nelson Rocha
This work was originally commissioned by The Boston Center for the Arts and has since been performed at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, MANA Contemporary, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Roger Williams University, The New Bedford Art Museum and Teatro Ribieragrandense in Azores, Portugal.
TOURING & BOOKING INFORMATION
Battledress is a touring repertory of Rocha Dance Theater. A Technical Requirement Rider can be provided upon request. The show is approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes with no intermission required. The work is designed to be adaptable to both museums and theaters. There is a trio and large group version of the work. Please inquire for info such as performance details, video links, a tech rider, national and international touring packages, workshops and outreach.
DONATE
Battledress is a project of Rocha Dance Theater, a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non- profit artist service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Rocha Dance Theater must be made payable to Fractured Atlas only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.