Sign language used to conduct improvisational performance at NACL

HIGHLAND LAKE, NY — For its next Salon Session, NACL will present the Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 11. The ensemble’s world-class musicians, physical theatre actors and modern dancers weave a magical, multi-media experience using the revolutionary composition language called “soundpainting.”

Soundpainting is the live composing of music using a sign language created by New York composer Walter Thompson for musicians, dancers, actors, poets and visual artists working in the medium of structured improvisation. At present, the language comprises over 750 gestures that are signed by the composer/conductor, indicating the type of improvisation desired of the performers. Strike Anywhere is the only theatre company of its kind using this revolutionary approach to explore the untapped edges of improvised performance.

The Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble was founded in 1997 in New York City by Artistic/Producing Director, Leese Walker. Performers collaborate through an ensemble-based, improvisational process to create politically-charged, original works that address socially relevant issues. Strike Anywhere has toured extensively and has been featured on local NY television, NPR, WBAI and German Public Radio. The ensemble has worked with improv guru, Paul Sills (Founder of Second City), Ping Chong and regularly collaborates with avant-garde composer, Walter Thompson. It is currently based in Brooklyn, where they are associate members of the new arts complex, The Irondale Center for Theater, Education and Outreach.

The suggested donation is $5. All proceeds go to the artists.

For more information call 845/557-0694.