(2003) February 14, 15  One-woman show created and performed by Maida Withers in Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, Washington, DC.  For this work, Withers life and artistic work parallel current scientific ideas and theories of the origin and fate/demise of the universe.  A visual/audio installation features excerpts of video documentaries of dance works by Withers with MWDCCo and a laptop for Maida’ typing text typed by Withers and simultaneously projected on a large white fabric stretched screen Up Stage Left – stream of consciousness text. Video of select excerpts of Maida Withers choreography were projected on a large white screen upstage of Withers typing at the computer down stage left.  Cam Miller, composer/musician, created and performed music for the trombone combined with some electronic composition.

Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling into outer space and experiencing the wonders of our universe?   In Maida on Maida in the Universe, Maida travels with us through her “universe” – her artistic history that includes  more than 30 years of  cutting-edge dance and performance art.   She juxtaposes her life’s work and the latest theories of the origin and demise of the universe, using images from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope mixed with excerpts of choreography.  The intersections between art, science and technology and our place in the universe are explored in this interactive, one-woman multimedia performance.   Withers uses an installation of white stretched fabric screens to display a collection of images and video of her career and stream-of-consciousness thoughts typed during the performance on a computer on stage (downstage left), while also engaging in an ongoing dialogue with the audience.  Maida on Maida in the Universe provides those unfamiliar with Withers with an introduction to her extensive body of work.  Those already familiar with Withers’ work are treated to many images from past performances that provides a unique retrospective.  For all involved, Maida on Maida in the Universe is an interactive performance that may carry us beyond the boundaries of our planet and into our future in the universe.

Note: As a child, Maida, sometimes at night, would sit on the fence at the top of the hill above the Salem Lake (Pond) on the 10 acres of Rust property in Salem, Utah and ponder creation stories from science related to the universe, stories from religion, and stories imagined.

Photo collage, front side, of Promotional card for Maida on Maida in the Universe

Photo, back side, of promotional card, Maida on Maida in the Universe,
Photo and montage by Adam Peiperl (2 photos)

Promotion card text:
“Maida Withers, noted Washington Choreographer and dancer, juxtaposes her life’s work and the latest theories of the origin and demise of the universe.  The music score and sound design are by New York composer/musician, Cam Miller.”

Performance photos of Maida Withers by Adam PeiperlProjected image:  John Bailey, photo from Withers work, Families Are ForeverPhoto:  Maida Withers by Adam Peiperl
Photo:  Maida Withers by Adam Peiperl (projection to be determined)front/back – promotional card for dance concert

 
Maida Withers, Photo by Adam Peiperl

Note:  The week of the performance, there was an unusual and extreme ice storm in Washington, DC. Thick layer of ice covered all sidewalks and roads.  Driving was not an option for any patrons.  Consequently, If you could not travel on the subway, you would not be able to attend this performance downtown Washington, DC. The city was at a complete standstill like never seen before……treacherous times, indeed.

Below:  Visual Installation, excerpts from Maida Withers choreography projected  on white stretched fabric screens during the stage performance of Maida on Maida in the Universe.

What the press is saying

...in its 30th year, a remarkable achievement for the rather low-profile group that has fearlessly tackled political and societal issues, incorporated laser and computer technology and brought modern dance to underserved corners of the world." Sarah Kaufman, The Washington Post. Sarah Kaufman

"Withers presents Maida on Maida in the Universe. The show features an installation of screens that mix images from Withers' extensive body of work with pictures from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope--juxtaposing the larger universe with her own. The 30-plus-year dance veteran is known for playing with relationships between art, science, nature, and man--maybe she's just so avant-garde that it simply appears she can predict the future. Or perhaps she really does possess a morbid clairvoyance--the dance world's own Nostradamus." Sarah Godfrey, Washington City Paper