Layers of Oak and Stone
Layers of Oak and Stone is a suite of 4 dances: Waterways, Layers, Pájaro, and Rocks. The work investigates the layers of identity in relation to culture, gender and Parkinson’s Disease.
Development for this piece began in summer 2018, and it was first showcased as a work-in-progress on November 10, 2018, at the Works in the Works performance series at Western Sky Studios in Berkeley, California. Works in the Works is the longest-running, low-tech performance project of its kind in the Bay Area, meant to be a space for new and established choreographers to show work-in-progress dance pieces. The performances are followed by talk-back sessions where the audience can provide feedback to the choreographer’s specific questions.
In its complete form, Layers of Oak and Stone was premiered on June 7–8, 2019, at the Toyosu Bunka Center in Tokyo, Japan. Produced by Eri Majima and Dance Emerge, in partnership with the Toyosu Bunka Center, dNaga offered a Dance for PD class; performed Layers of Oak and Stone, alongside two other original pieces (Deep Brain Matters and Proteinology) and a pre-show improvisation; and gave a post-show talk-back session.
dNaga dancers are incredibly lucky to have worn crocheted wire art pieces created by Annamarta Dostourian for this piece.
Hear more about our journey with Annamarta’s story here, and see more of her stunning art pieces.
Work-in-progress performance (November 2018)
dNaga dancers
Yael Berrol, Shosi Black, Lucie Jerome, Ellie Kerwin and Leila Massoudi
Dancers with Parkinson’s
Martha Friedberg and Cathy Wake Quides
Premiere performance (June 2019)
dNaga dancers
Yael Berrol, Shosi Black, Sharon Brunetti, Erin Landers, Jhia Jackson, Richard Jackson, Lucie Jerome, Ellie Kerwin, Eri Majima, Leila Massoudi, Ayumi Niiyama and Sandy Wake
Dancers with Parkinson’s
Warren Brunetti, Patsy Fitzpatrick, Martha Friedberg, Cathy Wake Quides
Production
Claudine Naganuma: Choreography (with dancers’ support!), costumes
Annamarta Doctourian: Wearable art pieces
Joel Davel: Live music
Cathy Wake Quides: Interview sound score
Takako Hayakawa: Interview translation
