Skin (2014-2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZzaFBeGZxE

Skin is a work of that defies heteronormative clichés on identity, sexuality and gender. 

The first version of the work unfolded in 3 chapters from an anthology inspired by erotic icons from the Greek pantheon:

ADONIS/APOLLO- is an unabashed lust filled, no-strings attached tango-joust, on the beach, questioning the dynamics of race, culture and power in desire.

NARCISSUS- basking in the glory of his own beauty, seduces, ignores, confronts, bargains with, and rails against his terrifying shadow-soul: Time.

EROS/APHRODITE- inhabit a two-spirited married-in-real-life couple and challenge our ideas of fluid gender soul-mates love that exists in our midst.

What are our true comfort zones for accepting, nurturing and celebrating that which we are not….?

ADONIS/APOLLO was later developed into Skin redux an intimate queer inter-racial duet, exploring ideas of Difference/Desire, Power/Pain/Pleasure and Love/Lust.

Choreography: Hari Krishnan

Music Composition/Sound Design: Niraj Chag

Lighting Design: Arun Srinivasan (2014) and John Carr (2019)

Costume Design: Rex (Rajavairan Rajendran)

Dancers: Paul Charbonneau, Gerry King, Sze-Yang Ade-Lam, Roney Lewis and Ravyn Wngz

Rehearsal Direction: Paul Charbonneau (2014) and Roney Lewis (2019)

Stage Managers: Gillian Lewis (2014) and Tara Mohan (2019)

Costume Construction: Tarami

Technology Design: Chelsie McPhilimy (2019)

Technology Design Execution: Tara Mohan (2019)

Premiere: May 21-24, 2014 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (Toronto, Canada)

Skin redux was presented on March 15, 2018 at the Dancemakers Theatre as part of the Myseum Intersections Festival (Toronto, Canada); from April 26-27, 2019 at Wesleyan University’s CFA Theater (Middletown, CT, USA) and from May 11-12, 2019 at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, as part of La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival (New York City, USA)