Maskulinity ~ Unfolding Codes of GenderProduced by Salix & F.I.V.E. Productions

Thought-provoking, engaging, enlighteningLet students be part of the conversation!

Maskulinity

Maskulinity is a contemporary movement production with choreography directed by Ras Mikey C of F.I.V.E. Productions. The project grapples with notions of gender and explores societal pressures.

College/University programming

Maskulinity has been tailored to fit the university environment as a performance that encourages critical thinking, dialogue and academic applications.

Maskulinity has been presented to a wide variety of audiences with each experience resulting in a lively discussion.

College/University programmingStudents will be shown sections of Maskulinity with opportunities for audience participation, on-stage volunteers by students, feedback and Q&A.

Students will be asked to think about gender roles, what it means to conform, how the media shapes ideas of gender, and the concept of feeling trapped in a box.

Students will be exposed to personal stories as told through dance. The body becomes the voice.

Gender rolesStudents will be asked to provide the answer to: “A man is _______?” and “A woman is ______?”

The dancers will demonstrate gestures through movement and the students will be led in a discussion.

Students will then see a piece titled “What We Are”

which explores how men and women move differently,

and how movement looks differently on a man or a woman.

MediaStudents will see a piece titled “Gepetto” which shows the idea of the media controlling our ideas of gender and race.

Students will be asked to volunteer on stage and do an exercise related to the piece.

Conformity

We will discuss the idea of conformity and how people feel if they don’t “fit in.”

We will discuss different metaphors for a box. Students will create a box on stage as an illustration.

Students will see a solo that portrays the idea of being in a box.

Story telling through danceStudents will see a piece titled “Chosen Nino” which tells the story of a young man growing up in Puerto Rico and the dynamics between himself, his mother and his father.

Facilitator QualificationsLacey Byrne, Artistic Director of Salix Productions, will facilitate the program.

Lacey has an extensive background in facilitating large groups, specifically geared around discussing sensitive topics.

Lacey has a Masters Degree in Women’s Studies from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently and adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut.

In addition to teaching women’s studies, Lacey spent 2.5 years working as an Education Coordinator at a Sexual Assault Center in Virginia. She has also worked as a Planner for New Opportunities in Waterbury where she facilitated trainings, workshops, large group discussions and programming.

Feedback on Maskulinity

"What struck me when I saw the premiere of "Maskulinity" was its sensitive treatment of many of the complex issues surrounding gender," said Rob Okun, editor of Voice Male magazine. "Using movement as its vehicle to grapple with expressions of masculinity, the dancers invited me to consider the predicament contemporary men find themselves in with their skill, not their politics. Far from being a polemic, in the end art triumphed," he said.

“Mary and I had the distinct honor and privilege to see this dance company perform in Northampton last night. Not only are the dancers incredible, but the message and stories that compose the performances are amazingly powerful.” ~ Jennifer Hardman, Audience Member

Costs1 performance $1500

2 performances $2,000

3 performances $2,500

Maskulinity is approximately 1 hour. The program can be broken down into smaller sections to allow multiple assemblies at your University. Additionally, the program can be tailored to allow for more or less audience participation/ discussion based on the needs of the student body.

Maskulinity can be performed in a traditional theatre setting, or a non-traditional space (no carpet) based on the needs of the University. Imagine Maskulinity as part of an existing class, or program at your University!

Salix Productions is committed to working with your University to create the maximum effect for your student body and is willing to work on a fee structure to accommodate your budget.

Additional Information

• Biographies

Salix Productions

Salix Productions was formed in 2010 by Lacey Byrne and is located in Barkhamsted, CT. The company created its first full length production in 2010 with “Dancing in Pink;” a performance centered around women’s experiences with Breast Cancer. The production was performed at the Warner Theatre’s Black Box theater in 2010 and again at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. In the fall of 2011, Salix began working on Maskulinity which premiered in June 2012 at the Kinsella School of Performing Arts and again in September 2012 at the Northampton Center for the Arts and Luminz Studio in Brattleboro, VT.The company works collaboratively with choreographers and dancers in the community for each project.

Lacey Byrne ~ Artistic Director of Salix Productions

Lacey, a resident of Barkhamsted, CT, grew up dancing since the age of 4; studying ballet, jazz and modern dance. She studied Classical Ballet at the Connecticut School of Dance and Music as well as the Nutmeg Conservatory. While earning a degree in Sociology at James Madison University, Lacey was introduced to feminism. She began studying the history and theory of feminist thought and eventually obtained a Masters Degree in Women’s Studies from Southern Connecticut State University.

In addition to working in the non-profit sector for many years, Lacey began teaching Women’s Studies at the University of Connecticut in 2005. In 2006, Lacey began dancing with Kiva Dance Collective where she was able to explore dance and choreography. In 2010, Lacey formed Salix Productions, combining her passion for dance, choreography, and feminism. Dancing in Pink, Salix’s first production premiered in 2010. Her VISION is to apply a feminist perspective to the choreographic process; whereby using movement to contribute to the dialogue of feminist politics. 

Ras Mikey C - Director of Choreography

Ras Mikey C is an African born American who received his B.F.A in Modern Dance from the University of the Arts in 2001. He has taught, performed and choreographed dance world wide with his company Fore I’m a Versatile Entertainer (F.I.V.E.) Productions, as well as with Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Raven-Symone, the Marley family and many others from the US. Ras Mikey is the former Artistic Director and Co-founder of the Eallaz Dance Studio in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he also co-produced numerous shows such as Adama Ethiopia 2000 and Reggae by the Nile. Ras has performed with Ethiopian based artists, such as Aster Aweke and Kenny Allen. Ras Mikey’s works are a reflection of his spirit and his passion for the performing arts as a cultural and social movement. He longs to bridge the gaps of cultural traditions and popular culture through education and production in the performing arts and related projects. “More Love and Many Blessings through Progression.

Contact Us

Please visit www.salixproductions.com to learn more.

Call Lacey Byrne at 860.921.3176 to discuss Maskulinity coming to your school. Email: lacey_byrne@yahoo.com

All photography used in this presentation provided by Essennelle Studios. www.essennellestudios.com