Man Overboard! 

HOUSTON, TEXAS – June 5, 2019 – NobleMotion sails into its 11th season with Man Overboard!, a cutting-edge evening of dance at The Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall, August 23 & 24 at 7:30 PM. Man Overboard! is an examination of unintended consequences. Whether it be political polarization, environmental issues, or the inundation of artificial intelligence, Man Overboard! asks, “Where do we draw the line?” In Prometheus, NobleMotion enters unknown territory as it collaborates withA.I. in this groundbreaking exploration of man vs. machine. The political satire, I approve this message, is set in the Renaissance era and offers a witty and subversive look at the indulgence of power. And back by popular demand, bothUnsinkable and Tower return to the stage offering dances with large rocking shipsand 33 dancers in rain. As always, NobleMotion delivers raw  physicality and visually alluring worlds.  

A.I. is making art and we are not sure how we feel about that. Prometheus pits A.I. and machine learning agents at odds with the moving body, drawing inspiration from the classic Greek tale of man being given the gift of the gods: fire. Intensely human,  Prometheus explores influence, attention, autonomy, awareness, morality, choice, and intuition. The collaborative team is comprised of Jeremy Stewart, media artist and A.I./M.L. researcher; David Deveau, light designer and technology artist; Jared Doster, industrial design artist; and Bryan Ealey, sound designer. “It is our biggest collaboration yet,” states Dionne Noble, “and will be the first time this A.I. system is used in a live performance.” Jeremy Stewart shares, “This ‘A.I. dance video’ participates with human performers in the creation of the work, as both a choreographic spark and as an active performer. The performance instigates a direct encounter between the human and its alien-digital representation in the age of artificial intelligence.” 

It’s politics as usual and everyone is taking sides. A looming 14-foot throne dominates the stage in I approve this message. Set in the Renaissance era, with the main character, a Machiavellian majesty, directing the comedy of errors atop his throne. This dark and witty romp asks the perennial question, “How much do we really have a say in our governance?” Humorous and subversive, I approve this message leaves everyone chasing their tails and pointing fingers.  

Here comes a storm! Tower, choreographed by Andy Noble in collaboration with Laura Harrell, uses raw athleticism to create the anticipation and energy of a storm front. Inspired by our current environmental challenges and drawing from images of war, Tower features 33 dancers and builds in unrelenting waves until it finally rains on stage. “It’s an exhilarating ride,” states choreographer Noble. “You don’t get to see a big physical dance like this very often and seeing it rain live on stage is mesmerizing. Tower is a cathartic experience!”  Austin dance critic Claire Christine Spera applauds, “Tower was enthralling.” Hot off the heels of standing ovation performances with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Repertory Dance Theatre, Noble is excited to bring Tower back to Houston.  

To the seas, Unsinkable returns after last season’s huge success. Unsinkableemploys three large rocking set pieces that resemble ship masts in a storm. Dancers are propelled, tossed, and catapulted through the air as they work together to right the ship. “In these polarizing times I wanted to create a dance that reflects the hope and optimism that this country represents,” states Noble. Set design by Jared Doster and light design by David Deveau shape the world.