Michael Sturtz's Theatrical Vignette ORIGIN OF LOVE to Close Out Hot Couture 2017

The Crucible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization that fosters a collaboration of arts, industry, and community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials, and innovative design, while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public in the Bay Area. Known for one-of-a-kind industrial arts education programs, The Crucible is also highly regarded for its innovative performances (like Hot Couture).

Crucible Founder Michael Sturtz has astounded audiences with his stylized theatrical productions and he was instrumental in pioneering the original Hot Couture concept. For 2017, Sturtz will design and direct the fire-filled grand finale, collaborating with some of the West Coast's most talented aerialists, hand balancers and contortionists to craft a story called "The Origin of Love."

"When the earth was still flat and the clouds made of fire, and mountains stretched up to the sky, sometimes higher... folks roamed the earth like big rolling kegs. They had two sets of arms, they had two sets of legs. They had two faces peering out of one giant head, so they could watch all around them as they talked, while they read. And they knew nothing of love. It was before the origin of love..." -Lyrics by Stephen Trask

Designed & Directed: Michael Sturtz

Hand Balancing & Choreography for Children of the Sun: Jennings McCown & Xiaohong Weng

Contortion & Choreography for Children of the Earth: Dwoira Galilea Scheffer & Chloe Marvel Light Axelrod

Aerial Dance & Choreography for Children of the Moon: Antonio Martinez & Meredith Ostrowsky

Live Vocals: Hedwig: Megan Fenske, Thor: Chris Niemer, Zeus: Michael Sturtz

Back up vocals : Skate Stone & Mimi Heft

Stage Choreography: Elizabeth Strong-Cantrell

Costumes Designs: Lisa Jones, Annie Temmink, James Zormeir, Alexandra Candia, Elwyn Crawford & Julie Shryne

Fire Props: Michael Sturtz, Ian Wreck, & Voltage Metal Works team

Foundry Pattern & Furnace Tending: Nick DiPhillipo & Denise Snær-Gauder

Stage Management: Jay Kravitz, Jen Colasuonno, & Karla Hargrave

Hot Couture 2017: The Beautiful Ones

Thursday, February 16, 2017, 8pm (Doors: 7pm; Pre-Show: 7:30pm)

Friday, February 17, 2017, 8pm (Doors: 7pm; Pre-Show: 7:30pm)

Saturday, February 18, 2017, 8pm (Doors: 7pm; Pre-Show: 7:30pm)

Sunday, February 19, 2017, 7pm (Doors: 6:30 pm; Pre-Show: 7:30pm)

Since 2007, haute couture has been turned on its ear, Crucible-style, with Hot Couture - a spectacular flaming fashion show that features wearable art from the Bay Area's most cutting-edge designers.

http://thecrucible.org/event/hot-couture-2017/