VEIL: TWO SISTERS to Play University Settlement

Veil: Two Sisters is the culmination of over two years development including travel to India, to be presented at the University Settlement, March 29-30, 2019. Created by NYC choreographer Cynthia Berkshire, the multimedia performance reveals two sisters lured into a link between the earthly and heavenly realms, as one sister calls forth the other from death. Conveying a poignant vision of our emotional and psychic lives, this experiential program provides multiple pathways for the public to engage with the work's central themes, inviting them to connect to their own processes of reckoning.

Berkshire's work is distinctive and original, with a profound blending of realistic and abstract gesture and phrasing. Progressing with a sense of both unraveling and holding back, a refined simplicity expands into motion and emotion as circles, white flowing fabric, falling marigolds and stars from another realm accompany the reunion of two sisters. Weaving repetition, mirroring and support from a mysterious chorus of spirits, VEIL: Two Sisters explores the thin veil of relation on multiple levels, considering the ways the process of forgiveness can take place between these sisters and others.

A gifted team of interdisciplinary artists, Shaun Irons and Lauren Petty, will provide visuals. Broadening and deepening the experience of VEIL, they join Krista Jansen, a beautiful performer with Doug Elkins Choreography. Cynthia performed in Shaun & Lauren's Why Why Always at Abrons Art Center, 2017; studied Shorin Ryu karate with Krista in the 1990s; and has directed the others in previous projects.

Accompanying the performance is a series of four creative movement workshops, free and open to the public. Group material will be incorporated into the piece, and some participants will join the performance. Lani Miller, NY Insight meditation teacher, will co-lead one session.

Cynthia Berkshire is a Manhattan-based choreographer, director, graphic designer and performer. Her work has been generously supported through residencies including White Oak Plantation and Palenville Interarts Colony. She has shown her work at PS122, Performance Mix, Dixon Place, Chashama, Theatre for the New City, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Sanctuary Theatre, Glen Echo Park, and Washington Theatre Festival where she was nominated for Best Director. Celebrated director Anne Bogart called Cynthia: "smart, adventurous, talented and innovative"; while Vallejo Ganter, former PS 122 Artistic Director, described Cynthia's VEIL: Two Sisters as "fascinating."

As a performer, Cynthia was a member of Kei Takei's company for over two years, and has appeared in projects by Sally Silvers, Noemie LaFrance (co-director), Shaun Irons & Lauren Petty. She's performed at venues including Abron Arts Center, Wave Hill, Judson Church, LaMama, Walker Art Center, Atlantic Center for the Arts and Cripa Center, India. Her eclectic arts background includes creating several digital films; graphic design for a number of prestigious firms; and serving as a movement coach and choreographer for theatre productions.

Photo Credit: Jahmani Perry