HUSK/VESSEL
Paula Josa-Jones with Kairos Dance Theater
Created over those at once barren and cramped two years,
Husk/Vessel kinesthetically explores the sloughing off of brittle membranes
and the filling of interior hollows with passion and light..."
THEA SINGER, THE ARTS FUSE
Read the full review A beautiful work of cascading movement and incredible sound design.
John Killacky, Artist, Arts Administrator, Horseman.
Paula! So beautiful! Thank you for bringing more magic to the world. The end part of the trailer where they all walk with the sheets - so poetically, hauntingly magical and visceral and transcendent to the concept of us as vessels and what we work through within and out of our husks. Appreciate you and all I have learned from you. Wonderfully Moving
The choreography is nothing short of incredible. Every movement feels intentional, every gesture tells a story, and the way the performers move through space is absolutely mesmerizing. The precision and artistry on display here elevates the entire production to another level. Whether you are a dance enthusiast or just someone who appreciates exceptional artistry "husk/vessel" will not disappoint. It is a standout piece.Stunning from beginning to end. Breathtaking and visceral. Dance that emanates from the soul and the ensemble work is flawless.
Abby Baker, Minnesota Fringe Festival I was in tears. this piece reached a deep, tender place in me. I used to care for people in their final moments, and what I witnessed onstage evoked that sacred passage. the imagery brought me right back to that profound transition - raw, beautiful, and deeply human.
Paula Bidle Moore, Minnesota Fringe Festival Magnificent
I love all forms of dance and usually see most of the dance productions at the Fringe each year. Husk/Vessel is one of the most unique, creative, original and moving dance pieces I have seen at the Fringe. I was so smitten with this show that I went twice. The skill and discipline the dancers displayed was incredible throughout, but especially notable on a portion of the second movement when they had to both tremble and move smoothly at the same time. And to think that three of the dancers were new to the show and learned a piece with such complex choreography in just four months is incredible! The way they moved the cloths to evoke varying emotions was stunning. The choice of music suited the dance perfectly. Thank you for a most memorable performance!
P. Drexler, Minnesota Fringe Festival An inspired masterpiece!
Words don't do justice to what is by all counts an energized, athletic triumph of a performance. The choreography is breathtaking- at multiple points I found myself muttering "Wow". I really loved the short talkback at the end of the performance where we were able to hear a little more about the process of creating the work. I am sad this company isn't local because I'd love to see more of their work!
Alex Church, Minnesota Fringe Festival Beautiful
These five dancers are very skilled and evocative. The choreography is stunning and unique, and the costumes look like they were purposely made for the Southern Theater (they were not). In fact, the entire piece looked like it was made for that space (again, it was not). This show was 40 minutes, which gave the dancer/producer and choreographer a chance to answer audience questions.
Brooke Magid Hart, Minnesota Fringe Festival Evocative, emotional, and exciting
Truly breathtaking performance in the Southern Theater, which is the PERFECT venue for this show. Rich physical storytelling by gifted dancers, well supported by compelling sound design, lighting, and costumes. Even folks (like me) without a strong dance background will be immediately drawn in and deeply moved by this piece. I may try to see it again!
Jennifer Vosters, Minnesota Fringe Festival I would like to eat this show
Everything about this show was beautiful. The dancers are all incredible and the choreography shows them off like individually cut gemstones. The binding metaphor of constraint and transcendance is compelling. Every little moment (the way the light turns the dancers into sand dunes, one dancer shuddering while another melts, the rattle of the sailcloth, the roughness of the proscenium against the roughness of costume) is an orchestra. I would watch this twelve times.
Kai Stewart, Minnesota Fringe Festival Speechless
Incredible choreography that was able to shine due to its remarkable dancers, who had such command of their craft and transitioned beautifully between different tones and types of movement. Costumes, lighting, sound, sheets, every aspect of this show came together perfectly and it was inspired! I also deeply appreciated the talk back afterwards, letting us hear from the creators about their process.
Meredith Enerson, Minnesota Fringe Festival This is the kind of dance show that I love!
At turns languid and frenetic, sensual and combative, and mesmerizing throughout. The sheets add a controlled dynamic texture that accentuates the performance. Is it a womb, a prison, a gift, a nemesis, a shield, or an ornament? Yes; all of these, and more. The music is compelling, driving and complementing the superb choreography perfectly. And the dancers are obviously skilled and well-rehearsed. I heartily recommend it.
Nick Vetter, Minnesota Fringe Festival This show is so good and provocative. You feel like you're watching way more beyond dance. It's so hard to describe other than you need to see it for yourself and experience the artistry.
Alecia, Fringe Review, Audience Response I have seen hundreds of performances, but never before witnessed something so visceral. I was completely inside the performance with you, experincing the movement from the perspective of each performer, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.T
Manuel, Fringe Review, Audience Response
