You can always count on the Yard to bring some much-needed excitement to the Vineyard off-season. This year is no exception, as the Chilmark-based dance residency/performance organization will host a handful of events sprinkled throughout the fall and winter months. The Yard’s programming will include plays, classical dance, hip-hop, Cuban dance, music, and more.
The WinterYard programming will kick off earlier than usual this year. On Nov. 8 and 9, the Yard will join the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse to present “Pang! A series of short plays” by Dan Froot & Company. Dan Froot is an awardwinning performance artist, writer, dancer, composer, and saxophonist known particularly for his music theater work. For his most recent creation, Froot & Company will perform a series of short plays in the form of a live radio broadcast. The short works are based on the oral histories of families struggling to get by.
According to a press release, “‘Pang!’ aims to raise awareness, decrease stigma, and promote cross-class dialogue around circumstances faced by families living below the poverty line. As both a stage play and a podcast, ‘Pang!’ brings to life the humanity, dignity, and complexity of the lives of families struggling to put food on the table.”
The New York Times listed ‘Pang!’ at the top of its summer podcast playlist this year.
In 2016, Froot brought a puppetry work called “Who’s Hungry” to the Yard. That show also dealt with hunger and homelessness, issues that the producer and performer has been focused on for a number of years. Yard artistic director David White notes that he has worked with Froot for many years. “Dan is an amazing guy,” says White. “A real empath. The context is food insecurity and chronic hunger. I think the issue of hunger and its causes is an important one on the Island. For this presentation, we are partnering with the Island Grown Initiative, and we hope to make some of the work that they do more visible to Islanders.” Cronig’s Market has underwritten a number of tickets for those who might not be able to afford to attend.
This unique event will be followed by two dance performances in January and March.
In January the Yard will bring a unique Montreal-based dance troupe to the Performing Arts Center for a one-night-only performance. Rubberband brings together classical dance composition and West Coast hip-hop for a vibrant and original blend. For 17 years, founder Victor Quijada has choreographed works, and now Quijada and company teach the Rubberband method, described on the group’s website as “an electrifying vocabulary combining the energy of hip-hop, the refinement of classical ballet, and the angular quality of contemporary dance.”
White describes Quijada’s work as “an exciting, physical, compelling kind of dance born of the street, but highly polished.” As with many of the choreographers and performers that the Yard works with, Rubberband will work with students in the Island schools while they are here.
In March the Yard will bring back Malpaso Dance Company from Cuba for its fourth residency at the Yard. Since they first brought Malpaso to the Vineyard in 2015, the Yard has helped the company establish itself as an international force in dance and expose Cuban choreographers and contemporary Cuban dance to a broader audience. Malpaso has been lauded by dance critics across the country, with the Miami New Times writing, “Surely, Malpaso, with its fluid, sexy athleticism, can put the lie to the old saw that contemporary dance is too cerebral to be fun to watch.”
The performance following the residency (date to be announced) will feature new works by two different choreographers including the premiere of a new piece called “Broom Dance.” This is the first time that Malpaso will be on Island during the off-season, giving the group the chance to work extensively with Island schools.
Education is an important component of the Yard’s programming. During the school year, the organization brings its Making It program to all of the Vineyard schools as well as the Boys and Girls Club, local libraries, and elsewhere. The program that uses dance as an outlet to connect curricular themes, build collaborations, spark creativity, and support critical thinking offers classes and workshops with Yard staff and visiting artists.
Vineyarders can expect more off-season entertainment from the Yard as they add further events to their schedule as the season progresses. They have already promised a WinterYard Music Night performance for April.
With their mix of theater, dance, and music, the WinterYard programming and educational offerings are sure to keep Islanders on their toes throughout the off-season.
To keep up-to-date with programming at the Yard, visit dancetheyard.org.