Currently seeking collaborative performers from various backgrounds for two upcoming dance theatre projects:

“Common Man” @ The Sans Limites Dance Festival : Saturday, May 19th
Hudson Guild Theatre

Part ballet, part musical, “Common Man” is a male-centric satirical performance spectacle about crystal meth abuse in the gay community. Utilizing various dance forms (modern, contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, musical comedy, voguing, burlesque), theater forms (musical theater, dance theatre, absurdist theatre, burlesque, pantomime, clown arts), music (alternative rock, classical baroque, folk music, a capella) and other performance mediums, this work engages all parties involved to question whether or not a stigmatized condition of a marginalized culture should be considered taboo or be pushed to the forefront of recognizing an epidemic. Haunting, poignant yet still entertaining in its intention, this burlesque ballet aims to bring to light a very dark topic.

(Seeking 7 Male Dancers with acting talent and 1 Female Dancer with pointe technique. Also actors who move well and/or sing will fit in nicely. If you play a small instrument or guitar, even better! This is a work-in-progress for possible future development.)

 

 “Until Proven Guilty” @ The Fail Safe Festival : August 8th – August 12th
Sonnet Theatre at the Producers Club

"Until Proven Guilty" is a dance theatre work which serves as the final part of Louis DeVaughn Nelson's American Satire Trilogy. The first, "Human Error (2007)" dealt with the effects of advents in technology on societal issues, "Man Bites Dog (2010)" satirized sensationalism in the media, and "Until Proven Guilty" will address good old-fashioned American sociopolitical warfare. The two former ballets were performed at The Philadelphia Live Arts & Fringe Festival. 

Containing theatre, modern dance, multimedia and burlesque - several facets of personal perspective of American minorities will be exploited - including but not limited to issues regarding domestic violence, racism, inner racism, sexuality, discrimination, bigotry, misogyny and the marginalization of class and social systems. The inner workings of current human rights movements will be exhibited.

(Seeking 6 Cast Members of varying backgrounds – particularly interested in women of color and male identified or non-binary folks of Asian decent. Comedy/improv experience a plus as much of this piece will be devised and/or interactive.)

About the Artist:

Louis DeVaughn Nelson (DeVo) is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Hokum Arts. He studied education and playwriting at DeSales University, Drexel University and The New School. Nelson was named Best New Choreographer by Philadelphia City Paper and has been recognized for his video work that delves into cultural and movement research. He received a top prize for “YouBahn” at the CIANT Festival of Film and New Media Art in Prague. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America.

For years he served as the Director/Choreographer of the award-winning neo-burlesque troupe, The Peek-a-Boo Revue, where he used his talent as a writer and producer to disseminate satire to broad audiences not regularly exposed to mainstream theater.

Recent Credits Include: Manhattan Repertory Company, Secret Theatre, Exquisite Corpse Company, Dark Matter Productions, Dixon Place.

ARTIST STATEMENT: My dance style composition technique stems from the inspiration of Erick Hawkins, Merce Cunningham, Matt Maddox, Alvin Ailey and Bob Fosse. Fluid old school modern dance is juxtaposed with contemporary technique, utilizing extensive isolations and lateral movements and stretches. Combined with natural gestures and “club style” dancing, works are precise, relatable and innovative in their execution, revealing the pith of the story at hand. Elements of the choreography include doglike movements and animal actions to depict the overall theme.

 

Interview/audition by appointment.

Small stipend plus professional headshots/photographs and film for your reel.

 

*Both pieces contain heavy sociopolitical themes and highly satirical content w/ some sexual innuendo, so performers must be comfortable with theatre that borders on burlesque. Absolutely no one under the age of 21 will be considered.