ANDERSONVILLE — The Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble and RE Dance Group are collaborating to explore the themes of decay and abandonment in their new production.
On Fridays and Saturdays from May 12-21, the two companies will put on "Ethereal Abandonment," which is based on a photography series by Uptown photographer Candace Casey, at the Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble Auditorium in Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave.
"'Ethereal Abandonment' uncovers the history of an abandoned theater and tells the stories of dancers, actors and musicians who once brought the building to life. The stories overlap the past and present to understand how a neighborhood changes once these buildings close," according to the description of the production.
Ellyzabeth Adler of Chicago Danztheatre and Lucy Riner of RE Dance choreographed and directed the production, which "incorporates both the untold stories and Casey's photographs."
Casey spent four decades exploring the world and photographing it. Her work has taken her to London, Africa, Australia and back to the ruins of forgotten landmarks in the United States.
Last year, Everybody's Coffee, 935 W. Wilson Ave., showcased Casey's "Ethereal Abandonment" exhibit.
The production, which brings her work "to life," will transform the Danztheatre's auditorium into "an abandoned theater setting." It is preceded by a pre-show gallery reception with food, drinks and an installation of her work, according to Casey's website.
"The exhibit is a continuation of my work bringing images of lovely ruins to life. In each picture there are elements of a larger story and layers that wait to be uncovered. Ruins beckon us to explore and look closer," according to her website. "There is at once a sense of discovery and a feeling of long ago. In the accumulated debris you find a slipstream of hope, the seeds for tomorrow and the roots of reclamation."
Tickets to the show are $15. Tickets to the gallery and exhibition show, which also includes food and drinks, are $25 and available here.
