7pm

December 20th

in photo: L to R: Michael MacIvor and Samantha Twyford MacIvor

photographer: Kari O'Donnell

All LABS are free: Everyone Welcome

PICTURE SHOW is a site-specific experience combining dance, theater and photography revealing the complexities of REM Behavioral Disorder (RBD.)  Inspired by actual case studies of people living with the sleep disorder known as RBD, Picture Show slides between reality and a dream state. The story is conveyed through the mind and memories of Sam, the dreamer and main character, whose simple outing to the movie theater is challenged when she falls asleep during the film, bringing the action normally contained on the screen to the seating around her as she acts out her dreams in the theater. The theater itself becomes the "stage", combining dance with an original sound collage, projected still and moving imagery, artifacts and eight multi-talented performers who interact with her in her dreams.

The audience-goer finds a seat in the theater nearly 90 minutes into Sam's dream. While the movie she was watching is nearly over the real show is about to begin.  Sam and a colorful cast of characters blend modern movement with theatrical elements devised to break the barrier between performer and audience. Action migrates back and forth between the movie screen and the audience as the characters invade all physical characteristics of the theater in an attempt to provoke Sam in her dream. In Picture Show, the viewer becomes a voyeur to the strange and beautiful scene around them, the real-life horror of living with RBD."

Direction and Choreography by
Kari O'Donnell

Text by
Donita Beeman, Kari O'Donnell and Christina Saylor

Additional Choreography by
Jennifer Torriero

FEATURING
Jessica Desmond, Yuu Fujita, Alexis Macnab, Susanna Melendez, Brandon Pizzola, Jennifer Torriero, Samantha Twyford MacIvor and Kate Wright

Lighting Design by
Kryssy Wright

Technical Director
Nelson Otero

Technical Assistant
Leo Lazziza

Scientific Description of REM Behavioral Disorder (RBD):

"During the REM state of sleep there is activation of brain pathways which generate vivid dreams, and also activation of brain pathways which turn the muscles off.  In some people the pathway to turn them off fails and they act out their dreams."