SAN FRANCISCO — “’Uhane” — ten unstoppable women become one multi-faceted voice. Nine hundred and fifty one years of deeply rooted stories that will take you on a personal journey of revelation. Daring to remember ghosts and shadows, fearless illuminations …
In the tales of “‘Uhane,” bodies swirl, extend, caress, in a whisper that is tender but strong, unearthing memories — is this real or an imagined ghost story? A seamless weaving of gesture, emotion driven movement, and choreography that is infused with the clarity of voice.
“‘Uhane” will be Purple Moon Dance Project founder and Artistic Director Jill Togawa’s last San Francisco performance and PMPD’s most ambitious collective presentation.
“This is the 20th anniversary of Purple Moon, and my body is telling me it’s time to go home,” says Togawa.
Leaving the Bay Area’s artistic community after nearly 30 years, Togawa plans to continue an active but different role with PMDP, expanding touring activities and pursuing independent collaborations and projects outside the Bay Area.
Collaborators — Guest direction: Terry Sendgraff. Visuals: Pam Peniston. Lighting: Stephanie Johnson. Music: Claudia Cuentas. Recordings: Jami Sieber.
Performers: Ruth Ichinaga, Arisika Razak, Sharon Sato, Susan Almazol, BB Borowitz, Sandra Easley, Sharon Haines, Nancy Leatzow, Ellen Levin, Gail Steinberg
Location: The Theater at the Children’s Creative Museum (formerly Zeum), Yerba Buena Rooftop, 221 Fourth St., San Francisco.
Showtimes: Friday April 13, at 8 p.m. Saturday April 14, at 8 p.m. Fundraising reception honorlng Purple Moon Luminaries at 6 p.m. before the performance. Tickets for reception and show: $40. Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 and $25 at the door. Student and senior discounts available. Order online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
For more information, call (415) 552-1105 or email project@purplemoondance.org
About the Reception
Live Hawaiian music performed by Aunty Mary’s Boys; hula performed by students of Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakane’s Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu Dance Company with special guest dancers and musicians; silent auction and raffle.
The Luminary Awards will celebrate five individuals whose loyal support has made an indelible impact on Purple Moon’s work:
Wayne Hazzard, executive director of Dancers Group;
Crystal Jang and Koko Lin, community activists and founders of the Asian & Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Coalition (APIQWTC);
Photographer and graphic artist Theresa Thadani;
Purple Moon’s first development director, Lynn Scott.
Also, don’t miss your opportunity to own an original artwork donated by artist Susan Almazol (www.susanalmazol.com) for the silent auction.