Studio Series Offers Hint of Danger

A winged teenager attempts a treacherous border crossing. A 1950s family discovers life is more like Invasion of the Body Snatchers than “Leave It to Beaver.” Three dancers, trapped in a strange space, propel their way through boxes of light in search of escape.

Yes, there’s a hint of danger in the three remaining shows in SCR’s Studio Series, an eclectic array of theatre, dance and performance art by some of the Southland’s most talented small arts organizations.

First up is Angel of the Desert, from Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble. It begins just after a civil war wipes out a small village in Mexico. Winged teenager Francisco wakes to discover he is the sole survivor. With the guidance of the moon, he embarks on a treacherous journey through the harsh Mexican desert—attempting what many others before him have done: crossing into the U.S. in search of home. Along the way, he meets two young brothers who know life on the train tracks all too well. Together, these three discover the challenges and true meaning of adventure, family and love.

Angel of the Desert runs May 13-15.

Next is an evening of modern-dance pieces by the acclaimed Backhausdance company. In addition to the piece about trapped dancers, entitled eXit, Backhausdance: Re-Imagined features three other works, including one designed especially for SCR’s intimate Nicholas Studio. That piece, Duet(s), is a suite for three men and three women that explores relationships through quick, quirky gestures and seamless partnering. In La Jupe, dancers dramatically explore the often-veiled facets of femininity and the struggle to find one’s true expression. Shift is an elegant, powerful piece performed in four distinct movements.

Backhausdance: Re-Imagined runs June 10-12.

The series concludes with D is for Dog, from Rogue Artists Ensemble—a company known for mixing puppetry, live actors, original music and video projection. Dog takes us into the seemingly innocent home of the Rogers family, where life is like a 1950s sitcom—or is it? Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and their two darling children, Dick and Jane, must face their history and identity before it is too late, with only mysterious phone calls and a forbidden book as clues. D is for Dog explores the themes of family loyalty and compassion using iconic imagery from 1950s television blended with startling elements of horror and science fiction.

D is for Dog runs June 17-19.

You can find more details or buy tickets to any of these shows here.