Dolce Stil Novo
to
Madison Masonic Center Auditorium 301 Wisconsin Ave., City of Madison, Wisconsin 53703
For the first time, Li Chiao-Ping Dance will bring an impressive blend of dance and theater—a feast for the senses—to the Madison Masonic Center Auditorium on December 1, 2018. DOLCE STIL NOVO is a multidisciplinary event featuring the work of five acclaimed artists including Li Chiao-Ping, Emily Popp, John Frautschy, Julia McConahay, and Chele Isaac. Together these artists will put women center stage. The female-centeredness of the program, performed by LCPD dancers and guests, signifies a “sweet new style” a reference to Dante’s poetic style ‘dolce stil novo’ in his epic poem The Inferno.
Each of these artists will come together to create something non-traditional and outside of their usual realm of work. By juxtaposing dance, fashion, visual art, music, and lighting design, this event will bring a new, vibrant energy to a historical venue. “We have found amazing coincidences and parallels in our research... my hope is that the integrity of each artist will be enhanced through this collaboration,” said choreographer Li Chiao-Ping.
Fashion designer Emily Popp will be showcasing her “100 Pound Dress” which poses questions about the physical and spiritual weight of what we own, while violinist Julia McConahay is composing a new piece of music that will be played live for the premiere of Li Chiao-Ping’s “Fortuna.” Amidst the dance, fashion, and live music, Chele Isaac will showcase video projections to create a fully immersive program. “I’m fascinated by the peculiar energy of communities and the shift that happens when an individual aligns with and becomes part of a group—whether it’s bees, bacteria, sports fans, or political partisans,” added Isaac.
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Lighting designer and technical director John Frautschy is building a stage so that a contemporary dance concert of this kind can be performed in this historic space. The Madison Masonic Center was designed by Madison architects James R. and Edward J. Law and is an official state landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today the center hosts the activities of the Freemasons and is available to the community for events and meetings.“In all my years of living here in Madison, I never knew about this space. Walking into it, there is a rich sense of ritual, ceremony, and purpose, which inspired me to bring live performance—dance, music, and art to the space," said Li.
Li also wants to make the work accessible by making it affordable. Tickets will be just $10 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors.
$5 General Admission
$10 Students/Seniors
Tickets are for purchase at https://dolcestilnovo.brownpapertickets.com or at the door. Although this is a large venue, there is no reserved seating available—all seats are first come first serve.