JGPG Blurs the Lines

The San Francisco-based Joe Goode Performance Group (JGPG) will present “Hush,” an innovative form of dance-theater, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Tickets are required for the free public performance at Roberts Theatre in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.

JGPG’s work is accessible, personal, and explores unabashed emotional terrain with humor and honesty. Using text, voice, and high-velocity movement, JGPG blurs the line between theater and dance to present work that is thoughtful, groundbreaking and deeply felt. JGPG explores social issues — including gender, race, and sexuality — with the idea of illuminating and investigating in order to spark questions and conversations.

Choreographer Joe Goode drew inspiration for “Hush” from personal stories gathered from members of his audience and community. The search for one’s individual voice as a figure of self-discovery and self-empowerment stood out as a recurring theme.

This sound creates a lush backdrop for Goode’s organic movement style and the performers’ narratives, both spoken and sung. The theme of finding one’s voice takes on atmospheric depth in a sound installation by Sudhu Tewari and Ben Juodvalkis. For “Hush” they used techniques from the world of movie sound effects — techniques known as Foley art — to create a many-textured ambient environment for the performers.

“Hush” has garnered positive reviews from media outlets such as the San Francisco Examiner, which said the work “pushes the boundaries of dance theater once again where narrative, drama, music, and dance play equally strong roles. The dancers voices, a driving musical score, and the unique presence of a Foley artist create a provocative soundscape as the background to the story of six interlocking characters troubled by their hushed secrets.”

While maintaining a robust touring schedule in the United States, JGPG also has performed in Europe, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East. The group has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the California Arts Council. In addition, the group earned the Isadora Duncan Dance Award (“Izzie”) for both choreography and performance, and the New York Dance and Performance Award (“Bessie”) for choreography.

Tickets

Tickets are required for the free performance.

Distribution begins at noon Friday, Feb. 6, in the Bucksbaum Center’s box office. For more information, call 641-269-3235.

For questions concerning access or to request accommodation for a disability, please contact conference operations.