I was near Green Lake when a downpour landed, and watching the rain ricochet off the water’s surface was a great welcome to the season. I was fully expecting to write a Halloween-themed column this month. But, when I started to poke around, I was more piqued by offerings from the dance community. In addition, artists of color this month are bringing forward lots of new material that I’m excited to go support — if I can make it out between shows of my own.
‘A Metamodern Prometheus’
Oct. 5 to 7 at Theatre Off Jackson; $25 to $50 or PWYC
If you haven’t met Noveltease Theatre, the literary-themed company who does “burlesque by the book,” then here’s your sign to give them a try. This take on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” written and choreographed by Fosse Jack and directed by Vixen Valentine, certainly calls to my spooky, nerdy interests. After thoroughly enjoying the funny and enthralling “Count of Monte Cristo” back in the spring, I’m heartbroken to have to miss “Prometheus” — please consider attending in my stead.
‘The Hybrid Lab: Conversations in Merging Dance Cultures’
Oct. 5 to 7 at 12th Avenue Arts; $25 to $50 or PWYC
For one weekend only, Velocity presents a “part dance party, part performance cypher, part contemporary performance art, and part conversation” facilitated by multi-hyphenate creator Amy O’Neal. Confronting attitudes towards “race, gender, and the sampling nature of innovation” in hip hop and contemporary dance, the show centers on O’Neal’s latest creation, “A Trio,” and the resulting real-time experimental collaborations with local Seattle dancers.
‘Black Collectivity: To Gather’
Oct. 5 to 7 and 19 to 21 at the Behnke Center for Contemporary Performance; $20 to $29
For two weekends this October, West Coast dance project To Gather welcomes artists to come together and create something new for the community. The project seeks to invoke the stories within Black and brown dancing bodies and for participants to “witness, engage, and commune” through the creative process. There will also be free movement classes available, offered by members of the group To Gather on Oct. 7 and 21.
‘The Veil’
Oct. 13 to Nov. 5 at Forestledge Mansion; $1+, PWYC
I’d be remiss not to briefly mention the show that both myself and arts editor Henry Behrens are working on: “The Veil” is an interactive, occult-themed theater experience located at the historic Forestledge Mansion in Burien. Produced by Dacha Theatre and directed by Nathan Whitehouse, “The Veil” will be an audience-driven evening like no other. Come play with us at PWYC prices.
Read more of the Oct. 4-10, 2023 issue.