Off the Wall Performance in the Museum

Working in collaboration with Middlebury Theatre and Dance students, Visiting Assistant Professor Jonathan Vandenberg directs a performance installation in the Museum of Art’s largest gallery. Axis mundi (“axis of the world”) is the concept in many traditions of a liminal realm between lower and upper domains, such as between the terrestrial and the celestial. Historically, this concept has been investigated through diagram, painting, sculpture, and architecture. In this performance installation, a radical Axis “diagram” emerges. Through simple, deliberate movements, two performers enact a wordless drama of its own polarities, including birth and death, eros and thanatos, finite and infinite.

Friday’s showing (beginning at 11:00 AM) is followed by an “Off the Wall” Discussion, (12:00 PM) and then Lunch (12:30 PM), moderated by dance artist in residence Scotty Hardwig with the collaborators. Lunch is provided. $5 donation suggested; free to College ID cardholders.

A second performance will take place Saturday 4/25/15 at 1:00 PM (free). Arrive anytime during either of the hour-long showings.

Sponsored by the Middlebury College Museum of Art, the Theatre Department, and the Director of the Arts.