TRY is a performance choreographed by Ishmael Houston-Jones created in deep collaboration with jose e. abad, Snowflake Calvert, Keith Hennessy, and Kevin O’Connor with music by Gabriel Nuñez de Arco and jose e. abad in an immersive installation by Monica Canilao & Kendra Dorman and lighting design by GG Torres.

* * * * *

the weirdest shit can come true
making difference differently together
beyond beyond beyond
body and land meet ancestry and futurity
opening me up
trying togethering centering relational
collaboration as laboratory during crises of togetherness
circles of overlap growing, circles of separation remaining
these are the questions that haunt me
it won’t be revealed until it’s there

* * * * *

TRY explores what Sadiya Hartman calls, “Acts of collaboration and improvisation that unfold within the space of enclosure.”

The TRY team’s collaborative work circles around the crises and potentials of land, healing, movement, consent, ownership and solidarity. We seek a soft experience where land acknowledgement and fascia can be woven into a single conversation. Where bodies are energies and powers at the same time, always entangled within the ecologies from which they emerge.

Physical or digital proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 48 hours, will be required for entry to workshops and performance. Masks will be required inside.

Tuesday, November 2nd, 11am-2pm
Workshop / lab led by jose abad, Snowflake Calvert, and Ishmael Houston-Jones
By and for BIPOC
Tickets $5-15 (discounted or free for members)
If you’re broke, let us know and the lab is free

Thursday, November 4th, 6-9pm
Workshop / lab led by Ishmael Houston-Jones, Keith Hennessy, and Kevin O’Connor
Open to all people
Tickets $5-15 (discounted or free for members)
If you’re broke, let us know and the lab is free
This lab will include playing with (nontoxic) foam that is a little soapy and magical. Consider bringing a towel to wash off.

Saturday, November 6, 7pm onwards
TRY in-process performance @ The Lab
dance + DJ + dreamscape visuals
Tickets $0-30 (discounted or free for members)


TRY is produced by Circo Zero and supported by the Hewlett Foundation 50 Arts Commission, The Kenneth Rainin Foundation, The California Arts Council, The San Francisco Arts Commission, MAP Fund, The Boffo Foundation, Danspace Project, and a co-commission as part of the Eureka Commissions program by the Onassis Foundation.

Following this residency at The Lab, TRY moves to Z Space for five performances. More info at: www.circozero.org

Photo of TRY by An Pham