Discover the American Southwest with dancer-illusionists MOMIX: Opus Cactus

March 18 at the Nazareth College Arts Center

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ROCHESTER, NY (03/06/2018) The Nazareth College Arts Center is proud to present MOMIX: Opus Cactus on Sunday March 18, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Callahan Theater located on the campus of Nazareth College at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, 14618. Conceived and directed by MOMIX's artistic director Moses Pendleton, Opus Cactus is a visual journey into the splendors of the American Southwest. Ten exceptionally-talented dancer-athletes bring the desert landscape to life. Set to a hypnotic music score ranging from Bach, to tribal, to new age, to contemporary, Opus Cactus is "at heart a sprawling, luscious fantasy… a feast for the eyes." (The New York Times) Visit naz.edu/arts-center/newsroom/ for photos. The troupe is available for advance interviews.


THE PERFORMANCE
Built on 19 stunning vignettes, this work features vaulting poles, larger-than-life puppets designed by Michael Curry, constructed costumes designed by Phoebe Katzin, and harnesses and belly dollies taking audiences on an imaginative adventure. The work opens with "Sonoran: But Not Asleep." Ensuing sections titled "Desert Storm," "Cactus/Wren," "Ostrich of the Imagination," "Sidewinder,"" Gila Dance," and "Dream Catcher," examine a vast landscape filled with snakes, lizards, cacti, and birds. "Fire Walker" and "Totem" comment on Native American Indian culture.

Moses Pendleton notes, "I spent time in the Southwest making this piece, originally for Arizona Ballet, and I did get out into the Sonoran desert. The cacti, like living statuary, the rolling tumbleweeds, the way a Gila monster moves, the desert night, it was only as short step into the fantasy world of MOMIX."

ABOUT MOMIX
With nothing more than light, shadow, props, and the human body, MOMIX, under the direction of Moses Pendleton, has astonished audiences on five continents for more than 35 years. In addition to stage performances worldwide, MOMIX has worked in film and television, recently appearing in a national commercial for Hanes underwear and a Target ad that premiered during the airing of the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. With performances on PBS's Dance in America series, France's Antenne II, and Italian RAI television, the company's repertory has been broadcast to 55 countries. Joining the Montreál Symphony in the Rhombus Media film of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, winner of an International Emmy for Best Performing Arts Special, the company's performance was distributed on laser disc by Decca Records. MOMIX was also featured in IMAGINE, one of the first 3-D IMAX films to be released in IMAX theaters world-wide. MOMIX dancers, Cynthia Quinn and Karl Baumann, played the role of "Bluey" in the feature film FX2; and White Widow, co-choreographed by Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn, was featured in Robert Altman's movie, The Company. Participating in the Homage a Picasso in Paris, MOMIX was also selected to represent the U.S. at the European Cultural Center at Delphi. MOMIX has been commissioned by corporations such as Fiat and Mercedes Benz, performing at Fiat's month long 100th Anniversary Celebration in Torino, Italy and Mercedes Benz's International Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany

TICKETS
Single tickets to MOMIX: Opus Cactus are $35-$50. For tickets call - or visit - the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: naz.edu/arts-center.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm and 11am until curtain time on performance days.

SPONSORS
The Nazareth College Arts Center is a non-profit institution whose series sponsors are The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation and M&T Bank. MOMIX: Opus Cactus is sponsored by Susan and Steven Eisinger, Helga B. and Paul F. Morgan.

Since 1967, the NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The Arts Center's subscription series and K-12 school performance series provide area residents of all ages with opportunities to experience world-class dance, multi-cultural entertainment, family programming, music, theatre, and special events. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public, while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.

The Nazareth College Arts Center is the performance home of the Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance; and is home to the Bach Children's Chorus.

Media please note: high-resolution images are available at naz.edu/arts-center/newsroom/ and interviews and photo/footage opportunities can be arranged upon request.