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Stephan Koplowitz: TASKFORCE (LA)

Liquid Landscapes

The inspiration for creating TaskForce was to have the means to enter into a creative dialogue with a chosen area/community. TaskForce creates site-specific performances for several sites within a short period of time that actively engage a variety of artists and organizations derived from communities where the company performs. TaskForce aims to renew people’s perspective on their environment and enter into conversations about the creative process and public life.


The theme of water as a unifying thread came about through several conversations. Water has been an all important, pivotal element in the history and development of our major cities. As a precious resource, it has become increasingly important to recognize our use of water and how it shapes our lives and communities.

"TaskForce is about process, experimentation and creating an exchange between the public, the city's landscape and art making", said Koplowitz. "I am honored to have received this TAC commission in their inaugural year, and as a new Angeleno, Liquid Landscapes allows me to immerse myself in the important historic fabric of LA through artistic creation."

-Stephan Koplowitz

"...an extraordinary piece of dance, like Koplowitz's clean, structured yet interwoven narrative work, can sear through an angry crowd."

-Susan Freudenheim, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles

"A Flood of Moves About Town"

-LA Times

"Liquid Landscapes presents 'Chinatown' at the California Plaza Water Court"

-Metromix

"CalArts Dean Creates Site-Specific 'Fluid' Movements"

-Arts in L.A.

PRESS
(2008)

A SITE SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE TOUR OF WATER RELATED SITES THROUGHOUT LOS ANGELES

CALIFORNIA PLAZA/WATER COURT - Presented by GRAND PERFORMANCES MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2008, 12 NOON AND 5 P.M.

10-MINUTE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO - and for specific videos scroll down for several more

Four minute excerpts of entire project

Performance Conceived and Directed by Stephan Koplowitz

Hassan Christopher, Associate Producer

Performer and Composer: Todd Reynolds

Choreography by Stephan Koplowitz

in collaboration with the Task Force performers

TaskForce Company

Nicole Berger, Joshua Marin-Hepfl, Storme Sundberg, Kevin Williamson, Alexandra Yalj, Sarah Young with Rachel Butler-Green and Marisa Jimenez

Rachel Weir, Costume Designer

TaskForce presents hour-long ambient installations of structured improvisational dance and music echoing the rhythms and sculptural design of this public water court.

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT

Photo GALLERY - California Plaza

FARMER'S MARKET - Presented by THE A.F. GILMORE COMPANY TUES, JULY 1, 2008 - 9:30-11AM (inside)-12:15 P.M.–1 P.M. ON THE MARKET PLAZA

In the early morning hours, TaskForce creates performance events through the aisles in a performance inspired by the mood, history, commerce and architecture of the Market—During lunch, in the shadow of the iconic market clock tower, following the trolley tracks that connect the Grove and the Farmers Market, TaskForce creates a 45 minute movement event that connects the two sites ending on the trolley itself.

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT (inside)

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT (oustide)

Photo GALLERY - Farmer's Market

PORT OF LOS ANGELES-BANNING'S LANDINGCOMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER: Presented in association with THE CALARTS COMMUNITY ARTS PARTNERSHIP (CAP) AND THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS- THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2008, 6 P.M.

Inhabiting the Banning Center at the Port of Los Angeles, TaskForce collaborates with CAP visual artist-educators Manuel Cuchilla, Levi Brewster and middle art school students from the Banning Center community who will create a visual installation as a backdrop for TaskForce's site-specific work in and around the dock and Banning Center grounds.

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT

Photo GALLERY- Banning's Landing

THE BEACHES OF MALIBU- With guest artists: LOS ANGELES URBAN RANGERS- FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2008, 2 P.M

TaskForce comes to the beach with guest artists LOS ANGELES URBAN RANGERS for a series of adventurous performances capturing the natural fireworks of bodies in motion against the dramatic landscape of the Pacific Coastline. Performers dance a highly kinetic series of improvisational
scores embodying the Rangers' playful public tour of a Malibu beach.

Performance Excerpt

Photo GALLERY- The Beaches of Malibu

FARMLAB-UNDER SPRING STREET BRIDGE- Presented by FARMLAB/STUDIO FOR SOCIAL SCULPTURE: SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2008, 3:00 P.M.

TaskForce will create performances inspired by sites associated with Farmlab’s location adjacent to the Cornfield State Park and under the Spring Street Bridge.

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT

Photo GALLERY- Farmlab

LOS ANGELES RIVER - Presented by FRIENDS OF THE LOS ANGELES RIVER (FoLAR) - SUN., JULY 6, 2008, 9:30 A.M.

For the series finale, TaskForce will collaborate with Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR) on an “edu-tainment” performance tour. Featuring local poet Suzanne Lummis along with noted writer and river guide Jenny Price, TaskForce will perform at scenic and historic locations along the 51-mile river. Sites and stories reflecting Los Angeles’ history will combine with TaskForce's final foray into movement, music and water

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT

Photo GALLERY- LA River

TASKFORCE: REMIXED- Presented by THE OPEN SPACE - WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2008, 8:30 P.M.

Live in-studio performance – jam and improvisational remix session – a unique opportunity to be introduced to the site-art creative process for Liquid Landscapes, including dance performance, video projection and musical score.

PERFORMANCE EXCERPT

Photo GALLERY- TF Remix

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