In case you don’t already know, Michael Mizerany, associate artistic director of Malashock Dance will make it clear, “The San Diego dance scene is a well kept secret.”
Pressing the point, Mizerany tells me that, “There are many amazing choreographers doing amazing work here. San Diego boasts three ballet companies, numerous modern companies and a surplus of independent artists. It is an embarrassment of riches that, I hope, will soon be discovered and embraced on a national scale.”
If this happens, Malashock Dance will surely be part of the phenomenon. The acclaimed dance company based at Liberty Station was founded by its director John Malashock in 1987. For almost a quarter century the company has been producing quality choreography for San Diego audiences. Last year however, Malashock/RAW impressed critics and dance fans like never before; so much so that they have created a sequel, Malashock/RAW2.
“The runaway hit is back,” said Scott McDonald, Malashock Dance’s marketing and communications director, “and it’s bigger and better than ever! Our choreographers and performers are poised to out-shock and out-delight the original.”
John Malashock, Michael Mizerany and guest choreographers Henry Torres and Angel Arambula from Tijuana’s LUX BOREAL will be presenting new work for Malashock/RAW2. I asked Malashock and Mizerany how RAW differs from the company’s typical productions, how it fits into the landscape of contemporary dance and why it was so popular.
Mizerany: “The main thing that makes Malashock/RAW different is that it showcases the work of three choreographers, not one. Up until 2009, Malashock Dance only presented work by Artistic Director/Founder John Malashock. Each edition of Malashock/RAW will feature work by John, me and a guest choreographer.”
Malashock: “Most artists have different sides or aspects to their work. Personally, although I never really “play it careful” when it comes to creating the work I want to create, I often make work that is accessible in terms of character, emotion, story and musicality. For RAW, I really let a darker, wilder and rougher side come out – even though it is still clearly my style.”
Mizerany: “Malashock/RAW is not about production values. It is not about the costumes, the sets, the lights – it is all about the dance, the choreography and the performers. It is also about taking risks. With Malashock/RAW, we are working without boundaries, no limits and no restrictions. We can broach subjects such as homosexuality, domestic abuse and religious fanaticism without having to worry about repercussions. The use of provocative material, nudity or overt sensuality, if essential to compelling storytelling, is encouraged and embraced.”
Malashock: “I think the inventiveness and energy of last year’s Malashock/RAW was really infectious. I also think the variety of having three different choreographers’ work on the program made it particularly exciting.”
Mizerany: “I think people really respond to Malashock/RAW for a number of reasons. First, there is nothing else on the San Diego dance scene like Malashock/RAW. It is a unique franchise. Second, the work being shown is riveting, athletic and controversial. It challenges you to think and react in a different way. Third, and quite simply put, we have the most talented, beautiful and sexy group of performers dancing in Malashock/RAW.
“The theme of last year’s incarnation of Malashock/RAW is best described as brute physicality with a gender twist. This year the three participating choreographers are exploring a more internal world with performances ranging from the push and pull of opposing psychological forces, the mysteries of communication and the darker side of unrequited love.”
This last piece, titled Desperate Love is Michael Mizerany’s contribution to the set. I asked him to describe it:
“My piece examines the compromises we make and the regrets we live with in our search for love (or our idea of love). As I worked on the piece, it became a decidedly darker look at passion, lust and sensuality. For example, at the end of the last section, one of the male characters, unable to get attention or love any other way, disrobes. At first, the others are intrigued, but ultimately, they leave him. For me, this section hits on the issue of self-worth, self-esteem (or lack thereof) and how, for many, it is tied directly to their sexuality.”
Returning to the idea that dance and performance is one of the better kept secrets in the San Diego art world I asked both Malashock and Mizerany what a novice, someone who has never even had attending a dance performance on their radar, might find if she or he broke the mold and came out to see Malashock/RAW2.
Michael Mizerany didn’t mince his words, “You will get skin, sweat and non-stop dance action. You will be challenged, enthralled and mesmerized. It is definitely a visceral experience. It is short, not always so sweet and always impactful. You are in and out in an hour and half. It is a show you will want to talk about afterward. Malashock/RAW will dare you to think differently.
John Malashock agreed, “You’re going find something to appreciate no matter what. There is great music in this show. There are amazing bodies doing amazing things. There are characters that, on some level, people are going to relate to. And you’re going to leave feeling the huge jolt of energy that this show generates.”
Malashock/RAW2 is in residence at The Mandell Weiss Forum Theater at The La Jolla Playhouse, Oct. 20-22. malashockdance.org.
