Emily Johnson’s SHORE
“Our bodies as everything; our bodies are culture, history, present and future, all at once,” reads a quote off of Emily Johnson’s tumblr page. Johnson grew up in Alaska; she’s a Native American artist of Yup’ik descent. Her performances are far-reaching, grounded in the idea that all kind of movement can be qualified as “dance.”
At On the Boards she’ll perform SHORE in Dᶻidᶻelaľic̆/Dkhw'Duw'Absh (Seattle), which will feature storytelling, local dancers as well as two choirs. It literally takes the audience out of the theater. The performances begin a block away from OtB with an outdoor show and then a “ritual walk” back inside. Johnson’s performances always include a large community engagement component and her visit to Seattle included a day of volunteering earlier this week as part of Indigenous People’s Day. On Sunday, there will also be a potluck feast open and free to the public at Daybreak Star.
If you go: Emily Johnson’s SHORE, On the Boards, Oct. 15-17 ($25)—F.D.
Chamber Dance Company
The UW’s Chamber Dance Company is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a series of performances that pay homage to 100 years of modern dance. That includes Loïe Fuller’s Lily of the Nile, created in 1896, which is a solo performed with 60 square yards of silk; Martha Graham’s famous Lamentation from 1930, a portrait of a grieving woman performed inside a fabric tube; and Doug Elkins’s Center My Heart from 1996, which blends hip-hop, martial arts and contemporary dance. The CDC’s mission is to present significant works from across the modern dance canon that are, at times, rarely performed. This particular show, given its range, should be considered appointment viewing if you’re a dance fan.
If you go: Chamber Dance Company, UW’s Meany Hall, Oct. 15-17 ($22)—F.D.
Family Matters: Works in Progress
An array of local talent will read their new creative nonfiction focusing on one theme — family. The Hugo House regularly invites writers to its humble stage to share their work. While the writers, themes and genres change, each night strikes an intimate balance between funny and inspiring. This night is sure to be no exception with Nicole Hardy (Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin) emceeing the event and local writers Allison Ellis, Jane Hodges, Kristine Lloyd, Brian McGuigan and Jennifer Worick all reading their work, whether they be essays, memoirs, or something else entirely. Wine and beer will available for purchase, but the event is free.
If you go: Family Matters Works in Progress, Hugo House, 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 (Free)—N.C.
Tacoma Studio Tour *
Thirty-five studios comprise the creative spaces for 57 artists. Here’s your chance to take a look, meet the creatives, get inspired and even try your hand at some art yourself. You can check out the map here, and plot your own route for this free event. In honor of Tacoma Arts Month, you can pay $11 (Saturday only), hop on the Art Bus and receive a guided tour of several studios, including the brand new Feast Arts Center, beginning at 11 a.m.
If you go: Tacoma Studio Tour, Venues throughout Tacoma, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18 (Free)—F.D.
Pop-up Magazine on tour
Pop-up Magazine has become a sensation since its inception in San Francisco back in 2009 — now it's on its first national tour. We are lucky enough that it won't just stop in Seattle, but there are also still tickets available. In short, writers, radio producers and artists (including some local people) from various disciplines take the stage, presenting “new, mostly reported” stories that take shape before the audience’s eyes. Wonder why this description seems vague? It's because what will happen at the event is purposely vague (no recording is allowed and each night is intended to be a unique experience) but ticket sales are legendary and they’re supported with glowing reviews.
If you go: Pop-up Magazine on tour, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 ($30 to $45)—N.C.
