Quasimondo Milwaukee Physical Theatre’s Brian Rott and Jenni Reinke have created a performance they describe as a “stream-of-consciousness quest to find meaning in the surreal” framed in the mind and works of Salvador Dalí, a Spanish Surrealist artist best known for his melting clocks. Just as Dalí did not confine himself to one type of creative outlet (he made films, sculpted and took photographs), Quasimondo reflects the idea of inter-arts collaboration with its season three closer titled Giraffe on Fire: A dance rhapsody in the key of Dalí by fusing dance, music, puppetry, circus, poetry, visual art and more.
“From the beginning, we had a goal to work with seven choreographers and seven visual artists,” says assistant director, creator and performer Reinke. “As a performer, the most compelling aspect of the show for me is that the performers are really playing themselves through the various characters that appear, transform and disappear. These characters are inspired by those featured in Dalí’s work. Just as his recurring symbols and images were incredibly personal to him, we have used these characters to examine ourselves as creators.”
Reinke adds, “The dream-like, non-linear, metaphorical, physical and visceral nature of our work welcomes interpretation from audience members, immediately creating an intimate and personal experience. We have assembled a talented production team that has created costumes, masks, scenic design, animation and choreography to bring Dalí’s paintings to life. You will never look at his work in the same way again.”
Giraffe on Fire runs May 21-31 at Studio G, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. Admission is pay-what-you-can—“We want our work to be accessible to all,” says Reinke. Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Following the May 31 show will be an Inter-Arts Bash from 6-10 p.m. celebrating the end of Quasimondo’s season. For tickets and information, call 717-347-8274 or visit thequasimondo.com.
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Happening
UPROOTED theatre, following its closing performance of Suddenly Last Summer on May 24, will host its final Against Type!: Roles I’ll Never Play, But Could fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased by calling Next Act Theatre at 414-278-7780.v
