High Art Press Kit - Pendulum Aerial Arts

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Media contact (do not publish)
Suzanne Kenney, Artistic Director | [email protected] | 503-319-5486
high art takes flight
A personal odyssey inspired by works of art –
told through dancers in mid-air.
High Art is an elegant fusion of dance, original music, storytelling, circus arts and rich theatrical
design. Masterpieces such as Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss & Pablo Picasso’s Girl Before a Mirror serve
as inspiration and lead audiences through a touching story about the cycles of life. With acts often
occurring simultaneously in the air and on the ground, the show is a feast for the senses.
Since 2000, Pendulum has been renowned for its artistry, visual excitement and mastery
of multi-disciplinary arts. Now High Art is available for touring.
Nearly two years in the making from conception to creation, High Art is the culmination of
Pendulum’s collaborative process. Each and every artist – from performer to musician to
technical collaborator - has left his or her mark on this rich canvas. The cast’s flexibility and
fearlessness combine with grace and athleticism to provide a visual delight. Stunning costumes by
Sandra Zodnik and a breathtaking lighting design highlight these virtuoso performances. Pendulum
commissioned an original score for High Art performed by chanteuse Sasha Lazard and Grammy
Award-nominated trio Deoro, featuring cello prodigy Dave Eggar. The musicians came together
with composer/producer David Shenton (NY) and producer/engineer Nik Chinboukas (NY) to
provide a haunting aural complement to High Art’s visual beauty.
Pendulum founder and Artistic Director Suzanne Kenney says that the artworks were chosen
because “they best represented what I wanted to express about our journey through the different
stages of life.” Kenney promises that all of your senses will be energized while watching High Art
and you will come out of the theater feeling more alive. “There’s so much darkness in the world,”
Kenney says, “that I want to take you away from the day and immerse you in something opulent
and uplifting.”
about the company
Founded in 2000, Pendulum Aerial Arts is a non-profit organization with a mission to
strengthen the art community by collaborating with diverse artists from around the globe,
to expose the public to a unique form of moving art through live performance and
to educate and inspire youth.
Under the direction of Suzanne Kenney, Pendulum has been an innovator in both aerial
performance and education in the United States, mixing dance, acrobatics, theatre and
storytelling with contemporary circus. Before founding Pendulum, Kenney co-founded
the first aerial dance company in Portland, Aero/Betty, in 1996.
The company has produced 18 original works, most notably High Art, which is currently
available for touring. Pendulum has performed at venues including the New Orleans
Convention Center; The Fox Theater in Detroit, MI; The Doudna Fine Arts Center in
Charleston, IL; The Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls, OR; The Historic Elsinore Theatre
in Salem, OR; the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, NM; San Jose Theatre of the
Arts in San Jose, CA; Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA; the Scottsdale Center for the Arts
in Scottsdale, AZ and the Hult Center in Eugene, OR.
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Pendulum’s education program strives to encourage creativity, personal growth and physical
fitness for youth, particularly pre-teen and teenage girls, through training in the aerial arts.
Pendulum developed the program in 2000 as an Artist in Residence at Portland’s French
American International School (FAIS). This unique partnership, one of the longest
running of its type in the United States, has given Pendulum’s coaches and students a
place to teach and train, and FAIS exposure to this unique art form.
Pendulum has provided entertainment for over 100 events. Corporate clients include Cirque
du Soleil, Intel, Nike, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Creative Juice Group, Philadelphia Art
Museum, Coast Hotels, The Special Event, Fuji Film, The Yoshida Group, Asia Entertainment,
Twenty Four Seven, Hotel Monaco, Doc Marten Shoes, The Seattle Study Club and Portland
Monthly Magazine. In support of non-profit organizations, Pendulum has performed for such
clients as the American Cancer Society, Cascade AIDS Project, the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation, Boys and Girls Aid, and the Oregon Zoo.
Pendulum is a member of American Youth Circus Organization, Western Arts Alliance, APAP,
Arts Midwest, Arts Northwest, Travel Portland, the International Special Events Society and
the Willamette Valley Development Officers Association.
what audiences & press are saying
about high art
High Art is a stunning accomplishment – a slow burn
from beginning grace to final majesty. I consider it a journey deep into the
heart and back out again, and every part of the production – from story,
to music, costumes, makeup, themes and continuity, lighting – contributed
to the immense artistry of the show.
- Dwight Vaught, Director, Doudna Fine Arts Center
Your aerial works just take my breath away!
- Jolena, audience member at premiere
a very personal odyssey....
The long and short of it is that I loved it. ...
It was stylish, beautiful and had a level of quality and professionalism that’s
rare in Portland’s arts scene.
- Floyd Sklaver, journalist
It’s like Cirque du Soleil comes to Charleston!
- Cheryl Body, audience member (quoted in The Daily Eastern News)
I am still spinning from last night’s performance.
photos by stagerightphoto.com
- audience member
I now fully understand the beauty of art in human form
as it is inspired by the art of the masters of canvas.
- Carolyn Stephens, Journal Gazette & Times Courier
I have been to Cirque de Soleil many times but the up close
and personal setting made this a better
experience. Our daughter was in town so we treated her to it
and were all amazed. The show and story line was also interesting
and the music and singer were great too. - audience member
photos by stagerightphoto.com
HIGH ART is a stunning accomplishment -- a slow burn, unfolding from beginning
grace to final majesty. I consider it a journey deep into the heart and back out again, and
every part of the production --- from story, to music, costumes, makeup, themes and
continuity, lighting --- contributed to the
immense artistry of the show.
The company was so great to work with, and I was so happy to find that the expansive
production, while equally suited to a large theatre, could also be adapted to our small/
medium-sized theatre. The cast and crew were very professional under the pressure and
rigors of tech and performances.
An utter delight!
Pendulum and its people endeared themselves to the Doudna in many ways. We were
very fortunate to have you in our region and wish you the utmost success with HIGH
ART and your future endeavors. Please convey my thanks and sincere gratitude to each
member of the company who gave of themselves, and left a bit of themselves behind to
enrich our commuity.
-- Dwight Vaught
Assistant Dean of Programming &
Director, Doudna Fine Arts Center
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
photos by stagerightphoto.com
photos by stagerightphoto.com
From the Journal Gazette & Times Courier
Pendulum Aerial High Art makes
Doudna colorfully alive
by Carolyn Stephens (excerpt of full article)
I was looking forward to this event at Doudna Fine Arts
Center at EIU and Friday evening I was not disappointed.
It was an “oh and awe” rainbow of delights, with the grace
of ballerinas in mid-air wrapped in a surround-sound melodious tune while performing the art of the masters.
The show started off with the “Painter” (Elizabeth Houghton) coming on stage, finding the paint brushes and paint
and starting to paint a picture on the mirror. As she paints
on the mirrored canvas her art becomes live on stage and
she interacts with it.
Outside of the theater in the lobby were eight paintings
on display that inspired the “High Art” performance and
which included Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas,
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Georgia O’Keefe, Salvador
Dali, Hieronymus Bosch and Phoebe Anna Traquair.
....
At first I didn’t quite get how some master’s painting could
inspire aerial arts, but as the performance progressed I
experienced the “oh yes” that came when I connected the
two artistic inspirations.
The stage was very simple, with stage left having a mirrored
table with an assortment of paint brushes and artist’s paint
palette on it. There was a standing easel and a chair. Center
stage and right were colorful drape panels hanging down
from the top.
Assistant Dean Dwight Vaught explained to the audience
that he sent the exact measurements and diagram of the
theater stage to Suzanne Kenney, artistic/executive director of Pendulum Aerial Arts. Everything had to be perfectly exact for the performers’ performance and safety as they
performed high in the air. It was perfection.
I now fully understood the beauty of art in human form
as it is inspired by the art of the masters of canvas. It was
totally artistically beautiful.
At the end of the performance all members of “High Art”
came out on stage and sat down while the audience asked
questions, which was a treat for us in the audience. We
learned about each performer’s life.
In front I noticed several children who participated in the
question-and-answer session. I also was where I could see
this group of children during the performance and was
fortunate to view the beauty of the high arts performance
through their eyes.
Read more: http://jg-tc.com/lifestyles/article_1dee59b6d28e-11e0-808b-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1WogVXcOq
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From the Daily Eastern News
Pendulum Aerial Arts takes to skies
by Seth Schroeder/Verge Editor
Issue date: 8/26/11 Section: The Verge
Fans of painting and theater alike will get the chance to
experience a combination both during the “High Art:
Surreal Portrait of a Soul” performance this evening.
Pendulum Aerial Arts from Portland, Ore. will perform
the act. They will be performing today at 7:30 p.m. and
2 p.m. Saturday. Both performances will be in the theater
in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.
The performance includes numerous acrobatic feats that
use various apparatuses to elevate themselves in the air.
There are also acts consisting of dance, contortion and
storytelling.
While tickets are $20 for general admission, Dan Crews,
director of patron services for the Doudna, said Eastern
decided to lower the price to $10 for students as a welcome back present.
Suzanne Kenney, artistic director for “High Art,” said the
show will consist of several famous paintings. Kenney
said the paintings include Pablo Picasso’s “A Girl,” Gustav
Klimt’s “The Kiss,” Salvador Dali’s “Birth of Man,” and
Georgia O’Keefe’s “Evening Star.”
Before the show begins, the Doudna staff will display a
mini gallery of the paintings within the center.
Elizabeth Houghton, an acrobat in Pendulum Aerial Arts,
plays the character of the Painter in “High Art.” Houghton said throughout the performance the Painter creates
works of art that come to life.
“It starts where she is in control, but they start to control
her,” Houghton said. “In the end there’s a balance.
She finds a way to be in control but give her art free reign.
From an artistic standpoint it’s about the process of trying
to make what you want and being happy with what it ends
up being.”
Houghton said other than themes of artistic process the
show also has themes of life, from birth to death.
Kenney agreed with Houghton and said different acts in
“High Art” represent different parts of life.
“I tried to use veils as a metaphor as armor accumulated
through things that happen to us in life,” Kenney said.
Houghton said none of the performers have been on tour
before and that the entire cast is grateful for the generosity
of Doudna’s staff.
Madeline Knox and Nikki Unwin, both aerialist acrobats
with Pendulum Aerial Arts, agreed with Houghton.
Knox said the group used to perform in the Portland Art
Museum.
“It’s nice to be in place built for shows,” Knox said.
Houghton said telling the story in “High Art” has been a
challenge since she has to do so without words and with
only movement.
She said learning the aerial movements for this show has
been difficult and that the performers often get bruises,
calluses, burns and torn ligaments.
“I’ve grown as an actor from my experience here,” Houghton said.
Crews said the staff in Doudna have been working on the
special rigging and lighting for “High Art” for six months.
“We have a nice exciting line-up especially what’s starting this week,” Crews said. “I think this is a great new and
emerging artist.”
cREATIVE COLLABORATORS
Suzanne Kenney (Artistic & Executive Director) A true creative heart, Suzanne is
internationally recognized as a pioneer in the aerial arts movement in the United States. She
is known for evocative duet work with her partner Luis Torres, innovations in aerial choreography & aerial apparatus. The company has blossomed due to her commitment to artistic
collaboration with top artists that share her passion for both performance and education.
Ms. Kenney also heads up an international agency “Pendulum Entertainment” booking
top artists working in Contemporary Circus around the globe for special events and galas.
Her work has helped pave the way to the vibrant circus arts scene in Portland today. Before
founding Pendulum, Ms. Kenney co-founded the first aerial dance company in Portland,
Aero/Betty in 1996. In the last decade she has choreographed and produced 16 public
performances and introduced hundreds of budding artists to the intoxicating world of aerial
arts through Pendulum’s premiere education program. Through her artistic collaborations
she has trained with Fred Deb (France), Fabio Dorea (Brazil), Nicole Pearson (England),
and Tanya Burka (Canada) to name a few.
Sasha Lazard, Contributing Musician, Live Vocals on Tour. Sasha is a classically
trained soprano who pioneered an exciting and unique electronica/trip-hop/world music
sound by fusing classical art songs, Russian folk tunes and opera arias with contemporary
beats. She performed live in Pendulum’s On the Fly (2003) and Crimson Cabaret (2005);
and her music has been featured in all of Pendulum’s productions since 2003. Sasha has performed for Bulgari, Mikimoto, Armani, and Ferragamo and her music placements in films
include Princess Mononoke, Modigliani, Holy Smoke, Cowboys and Angels, and Kettle of
Fish. Sasha has been featured in Billboard Magazine, The New York Post, Vogue, Harper’s
Bazaar, Town and Country. Sasha has performed at The Boom Boom Room, Joe’s Pub, the
Whitney Museum, Carnegie Hall, The New York Public Library, and Shea Stadium.
Deoro Contributing Musicians, Live Musicians on Tour. Known for its groundbreaking approach to “Extreme Classical Crossover,” Deoro, featuring Dave Eggar on cello,
Chuck Palmer on drums and Ariel de la Portilla on bass, has forged collaborations throughout the world the explore vivid and powerful cross genre stylings. Working with artists
as diverse as Pete Seeger, Luciano, Irish Step-Dance Sensation Hammerstep, Dr. Ralph
Stanley, Lulu Gainsbourg, the Talaandig tribe of the Philippines, John Patitucci and many
others, Deoro takes the listener on a non-stop musical adventure transcending and redefining the boundaries between style. Nominated for a Grammy for their record, Kingston
Morning, their second record Deoro XX: Xtreme Xover was release this past August and is
available on itunes and Amazon.
creative collaborators
Christian Fitzharris, Creative Director, Clown. Christian’s background as an
artist has brought him the experience to shape engaging stories and rich characters. Skill
impresses the mind. Story affects the heart. Christian co-created the two clown acts in
Cirque du Soleil’s “KOOZA” and has toured with the show for the past four years throughout North America. Over 20 years of professional experience in all venues of entertainment
performance. From stand-up comedy clubs to major motion pictures. From radio to television. From theaters to cruiseships. And from cabaret to Cirque du Soleil! Christian worked
with Pendulum on character and storyline development for High Art.
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Nicole Pearson Choreographer, Aerialist An award winning aerial artist, Nicole has
performed on the international stage from a young age. Having trained at the Ecole Nationale de Cirque, Montreal, she went on to perform for circus and theatre companies across the
USA. She was a core company member and coach with Pendulum from 2005-2007. She
performs worldwide as a freelance aerial artist at high-scale corporate galas and launches,
festivals, and various other special events. She recently performed at the opening of the sailing competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Nicole’s credits include Cirque Du Soleil,
the Royal Variety Show, the Princess Diana Memorial Concert, and many more. Nicole has
choreographed numerous pieces for Pendulum including the finale for High Art.
Tanya Burka Choreographer, Aerialist is a professional circus performer based out of
Vancouver, BC. A 2006 graduate of Montreal’s world-renowned National Circus School, she
specializes in aerial disciplines and acrobatic contortion. On aerial silks and hoop, she has
performed across North America and Asia for live stage and TV productions, corporate and
private events, product launches, and more. Credits include Newfoundland’s Wonderbolt
Circus, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, and the current tour
of Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. She performed exclusively with Pendulum Aerial Arts between
2007-2008 and continues her work with the company as a choreographer and artistic
consultant. Tanya’s choreography for High Art include “In the Garden” group adagio and
“Reflections” group contortion.
David Shenton Music, Lyrics, Arrangements, Executive Producer (Music) David
Shenton was born in Yorkshire, England in 1975. David graduated from London’s Royal
College of Music in 1997 with degrees in violin/piano performance and orchestration/arrangement. Based in New York City, David is in constant demand as a performer and teacher
and has performed at all of the top venues and with many renowned artists. Thanks to Sasha
and Dave for bringing my music to life, and to all at Pendulum for allowing me to be a part
of this wonderful project. www.ShentonMusic.com
creative collaborators
Yael, Contributing Musician. Yael is a “DrumAddict” who earned a degree in Audio
Engineering & Music Business. She has captured the attention of many in the music world,
and is passionate about devoting time to produce music that defines the moment and creates a percussive space where others find their own voice. After years of touring heavily
across the Globe performing styles from heavy rock to funk R&B and hip hop acts, Yael
is a sought after session drummer and Live performer in between recordings for her own
music projects. She recently directed her first documentary “The Love Project Journey” that
premiered in Los Angeles to a sold out audience at the Grammy Museum and has received
3 laurels at film festivals across the nation. The film documents an undeniable “love” project
featuring work with long time collaborators Yury Anisonyan and Nik Chinboukas. The
song “Senza Peso,” proudly featured live for the first time in High Art, also features Sasha
Lazard and Dave Eggar.
photos by dale shank shankshotmediat.com
Nancy Magarill Contributing Composer, Musician ASCAP award winning
emerging songwriter Nancy Magarill is a one of a kind artist, producer, composer and
performer. She has several indie releases under her name, most recent is “Down Below The
Rodeo,” a collaboration with the Sirius String Quartet comprised of Dave Eggar, Gregor
Huebner, Ron Lawrence and Lucia Micarelli. She is in her 6th year as the “resident composer” for NYU Tisch School of the Art’s classical studio) and has produced, contributed
vocals, collaborated and composed scores for up and coming and notable artists such as
Gabrielle Lansner, i-Danse, Yung-Li Dance, Tarina, Joey Tait, and the band Bookshop &
Gallery. She is also currently scoring projects with Daniel Mintseris for MMmusicLAB, a
new all-purpose music house the two started last year. She is looking forward to future collaborations with the Pendulum Aerial Arts crew.
NIK Chinboukas, Producer, Contributing Musician, Sound Engineer. Nik is a
highly sought after New York-based producer with 20 years in the music industry to back
him up. Before opening Spin Recording Studios in Long Island City this past year, Nik was
a noted vocalist and guitarist for Collision, alongside Gustavo J Virtureira on bass and Alex
Kyriazis. Nik’s titles include Engineer, Mixing Engineer, Percussion, Producer, Guitar, and
Vocals. He is one of the collaborators on “the Love Project;” and produced and performed
on Dave Eggar’s 2005 album “Left of Blue”. Chinboukas’ credits include work with J.A.M.
Authority, John Macaluso/Union Radio, Alex Skolnick Trio, Chris Caffery, and Mind
Capsule.
production & Design
Lighting Design Sada West, Cassius Wright
Makeup Design John Ellingson, Wendy Rover
Costume Design Sandra Zodnik, Suzanne Kenney, Luis Torres
Set Design Rod Langdahl, Luis Torres
Photography, Annaliese Moyer (stagerightphoto.com), Jordana Wright Photography,
Dale Shank (shankshotmedia.com)
Illustration Lee Moyer
Graphic Design & Marketing, Lena Munday
Other acknowledgements
PENDULUM AERIAL ARTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Suzanne Lassen (President)
Suzanne Kenney (Executive Director)
Anthony Burrell (Board Member)
Dallin Pennington (Board Member)
SEASON SPONSORS
The Benson Hotel
French American International School
The Oregonian
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
photos by stagerightphoto.com
PROGRAM SUPPORT & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Kinder Morgan Foundation
Meyer Memorial Trust
OregonArts Commission
The Oregon Community Foundation – Nike Employee Grant Fund
Regional Arts & Culture Council
Spirit Mountain Community Fund
Wells Fargo
The Wolokahn Foundation
To learn more about the company, visit www.pendulumaerialarts.org
Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of a New Man
Salvador Dali, 1943
Solo Hammock
The Garden of Earthly Delights Hieronymus Bosch, 1503
Adagio - Full Company
photos by stagerightphoto.com
ART THAT INSPIRED THE ACTS
The Progress of a Soul: The Stress Phoebe Anna Traquair, 1897 Invented straps apparatus
Girl Before A Mirror Pablo Picasso, 1932 Contortion quartet
photos by stagerightphoto.com
ART THAT INSPIRED THE ACTS
The Kiss Gustav Klimt, 1907-1908 Duo Wings/Invented apparatus
Dancing at the Moulin Rouge: La Goulue (The Glutton)
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1895 Company Dance
photos by jordana wright photography stagerightphoto.com
ART THAT INSPIRED THE ACTS
L’Absinthe Edgar Degas 1876 Adagio
The Triumph of Virtue and Nobility Over Ignorance
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1740 Duo Triangle trapeze
photos by jordana wright photography stagerightphoto.com
ART THAT INSPIRED THE ACTS
ART THAT INSPIRED THE ACTS
Invented 6 point star apparatus, aerial tissu
photo by jordana wright photography
Evening Star, No. III Georgia O’Keeffe, 1917