The Living Canvas, a performance group that explores the nude human form as a canvas for self-expression with movement, light, music, and projected images, returns to Chicago this summer with an all new production.
"The Living Canvas 2005" opens on July 22 and runs Fridays at 8:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7 and 9 p.m., and Sundays at 3:30 p.m., through Aug. 28 at Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. The show mixes abstract social commentary and humor in a unique series of vignettes featuring seven totally nude performers who are clothed by digital projection images and unique approaches to light and shadow. Often controversial, Living Canvas productions always daringly explore themes of self-esteem, body acceptance and beauty, repression and the breaking down of societal barriers regarding the human form.
Photographer Pete Guither, who has specialized in photography of the body as canvas for over 20 years, uses the light and shadow of images to capture the intricacies of the nude form. His award-winning work has been featured online and presented in various galleries and publications. Currently serving as Assistant to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University, Guither's extensive background includes theatre, dance, visual arts, arts technology, and music.
Five years ago, the photography evolved into a concept that united the images in live performance, integrating richly textured movement and self-discovery with a once-immobile canvas. "The Living Canvas" (2001), using symphonic-like movements, performed at Illinois State University and at Strawdog Theatre in Chicago. In 2002, "The Living Canvas: An Odyssey" at Chicago Actors’ Studio took the concept a different direction with a theatrical storyline, based loosely on "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." In 2004, "Ascent of the Living Canvas" introduced a free-form theatrical structure that, for the first time, incorporated digital projection and multiple levels. "The Living Canvas 2005" builds upon that structure, but takes it in new directions, artistically and thematically.
Each performance includes an opportunity for volunteers in the audience to participate in the show, and concludes with a question-and-answer period with the cast and director.
Concept, direction and photography are by Pete Guither, production design by Adam Fox, and additional choreography is by Mark Hackman, producing director of Chicago Dance Crash). Performers are Lisa Marie Adams, Chris Balderrama, Vanessa Grall, Brittany Hanford, Morgan Rysdon, Michael Schmueck, and Holly Steinhausen-Hammer.
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the Victory Gardens Theater box office or by calling (773) 871-3000. The theatre is located one block south of the intersection of Fullerton Ave., Lincoln Ave., and Halsted St. |
