Biography
Behind Open Doors is a collective of performers, dancers and scholars of public space and the urban environment, founded in 2004. They are interested in exploring and questioning urban spaces and our environment through performance, improvisation and film. From hosting “hops” (where they would play with improvisation in different places in the city and where anyone of any ability was welcome) to more formal, interdisciplinary performances such as “Pedestrian Asylum” on the pedestrian overpass in Strathcona, they have been active in urban spaces and engaging the community for nearly eight years.
Description of the Presentation
For the Eco Arts Salon, BODAC will bring dance (both in the social and performance sense) into the outside world. This confronts the idea that wilderness or nature is something separate from our everyday world, something outside the city. Our separation from the environment and nature, and from our responsibility of how we live in our urban environment will be questioned through a participatory performance. BODAC will stress the notion that the city is part of the greater environment (this idea comes from William Cronon’s article, The Trouble with Wilderness; or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature).
The event will include all participants; everyone is a performer. The location will be outside the Roundhouse Community Art and Recreation Centre, on the wooden rotunda area and onto the seawall. After giving instructions on what they call “the hop”, they will do a walk-through of the improvisation score/directions before the group is involved. Please dress for the weather as the group will be outdoors for 45 minutes. An indoor presentation and discussion period will follow the outdoor participatory performance.
Click here to register for this exciting free event!