Breaking the shackles of labels MXD does not conform to norm. The artistic director and choreographer Chad Michael Hall does a pas de deux with his lighting director Johnny Garofalo to great gut wrenching moments to monumental tableaux. John using light like Caravaggio used varnishes to capture the mood and emotions of Hall’s choreography. Just seeing the CMA’s the night before, I realized that performances are on the threshold of a new dimension and the lighting designers have become full partners in these realizations.
The troupe is as diverse as the moments they execute. From local barrios to international dancers, this talent comes together to create a professional experience of dance theatre.
Each work is diverse as the company members that include Trans to Gays to Mommies-to-be, however, the dance does not express sexual orientation; moreover, a fine storytelling of the global situation.
In doing so, MXD removes itself from Contemporary Dance to be more of an interrupter of our time with a historical reference. Technically classical training is the core of the company.
Each dancer is introduced with their own solo and a video that runs on the screen behind them. Above in Dangerous Affairs, traffic cones take on lives and a modern day Medea Leanne Lacovetta tries to save one until a very poignant death.
At the top, Artistic Director Hall takes us into his private world with Threshold. It is an autographical situation, its struggle and resolution is extremely powerful.
And finally, the new work, Between Earth and Heaven is bathed in the light of The Renaissance as Charlotte Katherine brings the organic earth bound beings to life; thusly, she is transformed as she leaves this earth to become a heavenly body.
Go to www.multiplexdance.org to see more of their images, videos and upcoming events. Editor’s note: Your financial support of this rising star performing arts company provides a longevity of high quality artistic and educational entertainment at modest ticket prices.
Review and other photos by Tony Clark,
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
