In Steel's Shadow
1994
Theater Artaud, San Francisco, CA

During a January 1994 residency at Theater Artaud, Zaccho Dance Theatre premiered a collaborative, site specific work choreographed by Joanna Haigood, with an original score composed by Lauren Weinger and set design by Benjamin Young.

Using a ten ton bridge crane, suspended rigging, and an industrial soundscape recreating the atmosphere of a 1920s canning factory, In Steel's Shadow explores the archival and architectural history of the American Can Company - an industrial machine shop now occupied by Theater Artaud. Primary source material for the piece was gathered in interviews with Mr. Walter Lister, a former machinist foreman and plant superintendent who worked at the American Can Company from 1925 to 1968 (its entire lifespan).

In Steel's Shadow premiered as a part of Theater Artaud’s Annual Artist Residence Project. It was also the third production of the Theater’s Site Specific Project, which was designed to encourage collaborative large-scale, multi-disciplinary work in a time of limited resources.

Collaborators
Producers: Zaccho Dance Theatre and Theater Artaud
Choreography and Direction: Joanna Haigood
Composer: Lauren Weinger
Scenic Design: Benjamin Young
Lighting Design: Jack Carpenter

Performers
Paul Benney, Joanna Haigood, Jo Krieter, Sheila Lopez, Chico MacMurtrie, Andy Meier, Jose Navarrete, Shakiri; also appearing Lizzy Spicuzza, Benny T’eo, Benjamin Young

Premiere Date
1994

Premiere Location
Theater Artaud, San Francisco, CA

Funders / Commissioners
In Steel's Shadow was made possible with generous support from MEET THE COMPOSER’s Composer / Choreography Project, National Endowment for the Arts, Zellerbach Family Foundation, California Arts Council, Anncox Foundation, and San Francisco’s Grants for the Arts/Hotel Tax Funds

Photography: Weiford Watts and Liz Zivic

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