Free Outdoor Dance Performance: Jody Weber's "Her Sylvan Ascent"

Please join us for the premiere of Jody Weber's new work, Her Sylvan Ascent, on Thursday, June 14, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza (rain date: June 15). 

Weber Dance has been immersed in this new project over the past two years and is excited to show it for the first time in Union Square. This piece was developed through the Arts Council's Dancing in the Streets professional development program, and through a series of workshops to help choreographers hone their work led by New-York based dancer John Jasperse. It will be presented in Union Square as part of the ArtsUnion 2018 programming. 

Her Sylvan Ascent is an hour-long piece that challenges us to look deeply at the imbalances within ourselves, and our world, that are manifesting in our climate crisis. The work draws on imagery from the Women's March and deep feminine archetypes that challenge us to reimagine our power beyond our current materialistic state and look inward. The work was inspired by the phenomenal book, The Hidden Life of Trees, to consider the way communities might create power and longevity through a deeply connected web of support and mutual care and commitment.

"As I worked on this piece I watched our world travel deeper into crisis with the election of leadership that denies climate science and emboldens corporate behaviors that energize a deadly trajectory for humanity," says Weber. "I also see hope. Hope in the rise of women and the reclaiming of our power. Hope in the voices of the young who are taking a stand against violence. I am excited about the prospect of putting art out in this setting and generating a dialogue amongst a diverse audience."

Performance by Whitney Cover, Lizbie Harbison, Shannon Humphreys, Caitlin Klinger, Kristy Kuhn, and Jennifer Roberts.

With questions about the festival or press queries, please contact Special Events Manager, Nina Eichner at 617-625-6600 ext. 2998 or neichner@somervillema.gov. 

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.