Pentacle Presents’s pilot initiative Home Grown @ Bootleg, premiered February 19th to 22nd at Bootleg Theater. Los Angelinos enjoyed three evenings of dynamic performances from MULTIPLEX DANCE and Antics. MULTIPLEX’s performance of From Darkness to Light highlighted the use of digital multimedia elements, while Antics’ Sneaker Suites featured a spoken word artist who performed with the hip hop company under a canopy of sneakers. Both companies brought new audiences to Bootleg and to each other’s work. As noted by Ann Haskins, this new initiative is “…a potentially important partnership between Bootleg Theater and Pentacle.” There was lots of animated chatter and enthusiastic response during intermission and after the performances.

Sunday’s alternative audience activities provided an intimate opportunity for attendees to delve into the choreographers’ artistic processes. Participants interacting with Antics worked with the Artistic Director Amy “Catfox” Campion and story architect Mark Gonzales to create new text for Sneaker Suites, exploring their own stories related to sneakers and shoes. Those collaborating with MULTIPLEX Director Chad Michael Hall created movement sequences inspired by Taiko drumming and used iPads to make music for Chad’s next project. The entire group then joined together for wine, food and conversation. Artists and audiences alike left stimulated and eager for more dance experiences!

The next Home Grown @ Bootleg will take place in June, so stay tuned!

Photo © Kimberly Zsebe