‘by wing, fin, hoof or foot’ is a new piece of physical-theatre that uses the simplicity and reliability of migrating animals to explore the complex and fluctuating rules of immigration, representation, private narratives of public spaces and vice versa. Tension and unity are collapsed and expanded at the points where these migrations intersect.
This simultaneously personal and public exploration considers the migrations and immigrations of animals and humans- particularly the body in transit. The ensemble has drawn from science, history, lore and autobiography to identify the stops, starts, pushes and pulls of individual and group mobility.
This piece is directed by Producing Artistic Director Keelie Sheridan and marks The Ume Group’s first collaboration with Stuttgart-based scenic/costume designer Valentin Peter Eisele.
Press
“Watching the Ume Group move through such areas of thought, and topics varying and rife with personal and distant conflict — I find relief in watching a group of people physicalize all of these complicated questions and subjects, turning them into fluid motion that is, sometimes simultaneously, unsettling and gorgeous.”
– Amy Gijsbers van Wijk, Culturebot
WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING…
‘I loved it. It reminded me of the wild theatre things we used to see in the sixties and seventies. It was also very exciting and complex…’ -LH
‘It is refreshing to see honesty and raw commitment in a piece of theatrical work; rather rare these days.Its effect is transcendence; I’d imagine this must be what prompted the ancient Greeks or the Balinese to look heavenward during a performance, caught spellbound in the simple pleasure of spiritual nakedness.’ -FL
“This was an amazing show, one of the most memorable things I’ve seen in a long time and great performances by everyone. If you’re on the fence make sure you go see it, you won’t regret it!” -DJ
“Such an incredibly moving experience! Loved it!” -DM
“Glad I got to see your mesmerizing performance last weekend! It made me feel like I was at a Kanye fashion show!” -AW
“You…you extraordinary cast of wondrous beings–blew me away **I’m still thinking about the performance even today- you made me cry… more importantly you made me think & remember…” -DD
Production Credits
Cast
The Ume Group’s ‘by wing, fin, hoof or foot’ at Grace & St. Paul’s Church, 2017
Angela Bilkić
Annie McCoy
Brantley Ivey
Efrén Sánchez
Fiamma Piacentini
Jennifer Marinelli
Jorge Luna
Karina Sindicich
Laura Aristovulos
Miles Butler
Raphael Anastas
Sammy DeSimone
Creative Team
Direction / Choreography KEELIE SHERIDAN & the ensemble
Associate Direction/ Choreography YOKKO
Costume & Scenic Design. Valentin Eisele
Stage Management Rui Dun
Lighting Design Robin Dill
Performance Ensemble | ANGELA BILKIC, ANNIE MCCOY*, BRANTLEY IVEY*, CLARA KUNDIN**, EFRÉN SÁNCHEZ, FIAMMA PIACENTINI, JENNIFER MARINELLI*, JORGE LUNA*, KARINA SINDICICH*, LAURA ARISTOVULOS*, MILES BUTLER*, RAPHAEL ANASTAS, SAMMY DESIMONE
*Company Member
**Understudy/ Swing
PRODUCTION HISTORY
2017 April 29: ‘by wing, fin, hoof or foot’ workshop at at UNFIX NYC FESTIVAL at Grace & St. Paul’s Church, New York City
2017 June 3-24: ‘by wing, fin, hoof or foot’ world premiere at Grace & St. Paul’s Church, New York City