In the saga of life on Earth, scientists recognize five mass extinction events that dramatically altered history through sudden, disaster-induced climate shifts. In the era of human-caused climate change, unofficially dubbed the Anthropocene, some researchers theorize that Earth may be on course for its first human-caused and sixth overall mass extinction.
Putting an artistic spin on this scientific theory, local dance company Performa/Dance explores the Anthropocene through a human lens, utilizing striking choreography, spoken dialogue and original music composed by sound artist Henna Chou to unravel the story. Founded in 2014 by acclaimed choreographer Jennifer Hart, the company celebrates its 10th season with the debut of “Anthropocene,” which takes the stage on Aug. 15 and 16 at Ballet Austin’s downtown AustinVentures StudioTheater.
This original work is co-directed by Hart, Austin-born dancer Kelsey Oliver and UT theater professor Alexandra Bassiakou Shaw, who doubles as the show’s playwright. “Anthropocene” takes an absurdist look at modern society’s disconnect from the natural world.
“When I think of how humanity is right now — so isolated, so alone, doomscrolling, getting their groceries delivered — there’s just so little connection,” Shaw said. “To be in a room of real people grappling with very real, pertinent themes in a (show) that is funny, moving (and) virtuosic … it’s a salve.”
In 2023, Hart and her co-directors approached “Anthropocene” with only a vague idea of what the show would be: an artistic exploration of the climate crisis.
“We quickly realized, once we got together, that we couldn’t do a show about climate change,” Hart said. “It had to be more of a personal story.”
The first act of the two-part, one-hour performance provides a macro view of Earth’s evolution over time, whereas the second act focuses on the story of a singular woman’s impending death. By narrowing vast scientific themes into a deeply personal narrative, “Anthropocene” explores climate change as part of a broader meditation on transformation, loss and grief.
The 11-person cast’s exploration of grief translated beyond the stage when tragedy struck mid-production. Originally set to debut in the summer of 2024, “Anthropocene” got delayed when a key original cast member, Erica Saucedo, fell terminally ill. When the dancer passed away, grief swept across the company.
“It just made everything feel even more real,” cast member and alumna Cellise Brown (Dance Education ‘22) said. “Every time we do the piece, I definitely cry, and then I’m trying to get myself together before going on stage to dance at the very end. It just feels really relatable.”
While “Anthropocene’s” subject matter may sometimes be tear-jerking, Hart said the work is simultaneously funny and joyful, diving into life’s challenges while showing the sublime.
“We’re not telling people that people are bad,” Hart said. “We’re saying life goes in waves. There’s a beginning and an end, and how that happens might differ from era to era … (but) we’re here in this era now, and this is how we’re feeling it as humans.”
