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Jeraldine Mendoza, Dylan Gutierrez, Olivia Duryea, Hyuma Kiyosawa, Dara Holmes, Edson Barbosa, Xavier Nuñez, Eric Grant -Photo by Christopher Andrew

Performing arts return to Chicago!

According to an official press release, Joffrey Ballet artists Xavier Núñez and Dylan Gutierrez teamed up with writer and film producer Eric Grant to make a new production company called Action Lines. Now until April 30th, you can see the company’s inaugural work, Interim Avoidance, at the 150 Media Stream public art exhibition at 150 N. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL. Artists Edson Barbosa, Olivia Duryea, Dylan Gutierrez, Dara Holmes, Hyuma Kiyosawa, and Jeraldine Mendoza are featured in the seven-minute piece.

Núñez and Gutierrez said the following about their first project: “Interim Avoidance seeks to provide a sense of closeness during the waning days of the pandemic. The dancers of The Joffrey Ballet have found themselves all dressed up with nowhere to perform. Six dancers emerge in a void, unsure of their purpose. A beam of red light beckons them like a stage manager on opening night, offering a moment of respite from their collective solitude. Never ones to give up an opportunity, they launch into the movements and shapes for which they have trained so long. A determination to bring joy, to excite, to spark inspiration with dance, the performers urge us all to remember that even in the darkest times, loneliness is nothing more than an Interim Avoidance.”

The Artistic Director of the Joffrey and the Curator of 150 Media Stream were also quoted in The Silverman Group press release. They expounded on the new creative venture.

Interim Avoidance – Photo by Christopher Andrew

Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin, Artistic Director of the Joffrey : “The Joffrey was founded with the intention of being more than a dance company. This collaboration speaks to that. As difficult as it has been to get through the pandemic, several of our artists are putting creative energy toward different passions and interests—from education to graphic design to film. Action Lines and 150 Media Stream have created a brilliant installation that highlights the beauty of our company. It is a thrill to support it and to see it come to life.”

Yuge Zhou, Curator of 150 Media Stream: “An important part of our mission is to provide a platform for Chicago artists and organizations. We are excited to open our 2021 arts program with this mesmerizing video installation that merges performing arts and technology on a unique stage.”

Interim Avoidance is scheduled for showings “Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 9:30 AM, and 4:30 – 8:00 PM, and Saturdays: 1:00-7:00 PM. All attendees are required to wear a face covering.” It runs through April 30th.

*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the images and  information.*