Krista DeNio >> Moving Ground

NETWORK

NETWORK is a multi-year project [2017-19] addressing human survival in the face of isolation through systemic oppression, specifically mass incarceration. Inspired by systems of communication in human and plant life, NETWORK investigates similarities between the neural networks of the human brain, to tree root systems and other human and plant structures in multi-media formats, in collaboration with artists, scientists, formerly incarcerated individuals and the public. Considering the nature of interdependence as inherent to our very survival, and drawing on scientific research, interviews and devised movement, the piece brings forward stories of formerly incarcerated individuals, who have experienced confinement and the results of being cut off from life-sustaining systems. Observing human survival strategies in the face of incarceration, we wonder what we have to gain by learning from the plant kingdom about interdependence and resilience. Ultimately the work recognizes our potential to survive and thrive through individual and community acts of resistance, collaboration and resilience.

Engagement 3: NETWORK research in action @ BIONEERS Conference!   Sunday, 10/22: 1-2:30pm | All artists will be present

KDMG & Dance Monks collaborate at Bioneers in an immersive experience on the grounds of the festival. 
We invite you to root in and join us in an experiential installation and body-based recharge. Your journey will be as restful, contemplative or physical as you choose. We will offer prompts for exploration along the way. There will be invitations to share your experience and all engagement is optional.
The heart of this research is at the intersection of two long-term projects: NETWORK (Krista DeNio>>Moving Ground) and Tree of Life (Dance Monks).
http://www.movingground.org/
http://www.dancemonks.com/

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Engagement 2: International Interdisciplinary Artist Consortium and Moving Arts Lab @ Earthdance, July 16-23

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Engagement 1: BDP @ U.C. Berkeley

Initial research for the project has occurred in collaboration with U.C. Berkeley students through the Theater, Dance and Performance Studies department [TDPS] and Berkeley Dance Project (BDP). This performance work engages devised dance, interviews and personal narratives from ensemble members, family and friends to investigate the transformation from organic systems of communication, to confinement through systemic oppression, and finally resistance for survival.

April 20-29, 2017 | 8:00p
Zellerbach Playhouse, U.C. Berkeley
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Berkeley Dance Project 2017 will feature NETWORK, a new piece of ensemble-devised dance theater work by Krista DeNio. Inspired by systems of communication and confinement in human and plant life, from the neural networks in the human brain, to tree root systems, human and tree families, the piece considers the nature of interdependence as inherent to our very survival. Drawing on research, interviews, ensemble writing, narratives and movement explorations, NETWORK brings forward stories of formerly incarcerated individuals — who have experienced confinement and the results of being cut off from life-sustaining systems. Ultimately the piece celebrates our potential to survive and thrive in the face of systemic oppression and confinement through individual and community acts of resistance and resilience.