Loving Still

From October 9 – December 10, RAWdance is on display at Jackson Square’s 836M Gallery for the development and performance of Loving Still. Witness the creative process up close through rehearsals open to the public, as RAWdance’s Co-Artistic Directors Rein and Smith work with a cast of 8 dancers to create a new series of duets that bring queer ancestors to life and to love.

Each duet is inspired by photographs in Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s -1950s, by Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell, featuring more than 300 previously unpublished photos representing what was once considered “forbidden love.” Select photos from the Nini/Treadwell collection will be reproduced in large format and displayed in the gallery throughout residency. In addition, the space will feature a large map and other historical tidbits on the queer history of the Barbary Coast created by the Unspeakable Vice tour, rooting the duets not only in historical context but also in San Francisco’s original “gayborhood.”

Check out the Loving Still rehearsal calendar to plan a visit to the gallery and witness the creation of Loving Still! Visitors are welcome to come into the gallery to during public open hours (10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday) to see the images and maps and watch rehearsals in process. Rehearsals at other times may be viewed through the large street level windows.

Neighborhood Tours & Culminating Performances

The residency culminates with a series of free performances, featuring an original score by Joel St. Julien and costumes by Mary Domenico. One hour prior to each performance, you are encouraged to join Shawn Sprockett for a free, special tour of forgotten venues in the area surrounding 836M. This abbreviated 30-minute version of his celebrated Unspeakable Vice tour unearthing Jackson Square’s lost queer history, lays the groundwork for the historically-rooted duets in Loving Still.

Book a free tour with Shawn Sprockett here!

Performances are Friday, December 8 at 7pm (tour beginning from 836M at 6pm)
Saturday, December 9 at 4pm and 7pm (tours at 3pm and 6pm)
Sunday, December 10 at 4pm and 7pm (tours at 3pm and 6pm)

Opening Event

An opening reception will take place on October 12 at 6:30 pm, featuring a conversation between Shawn Sprockett (creator of the Unspeakable Vice tour), Isaac Fellman (Reference Archivist at the GLBT Historical Society), and the company’s Artistic Directors. Come see the early seeds of movement generation and listen to a discussion on the interplay of proof and intuition when both artists and archivists work with historical source material.

LOVING STILL CREDITS
Loving Still Choreography/Direction: Wendy Rein & Ryan T. Smith
Performance/Collaboration: McKay Elwood, Yebel Gallegos, Brandon Graham, Kyle Limin, Juan L. Ruiz, Ryan T. Smith, Calvin L. Thomas, Jr., & Nick Wagner
Choreographic Assistance: Claire Fisher, Juliann Witt, & Erin Yen
Music: Joel St. Julien
Costume Design: Mary Domenico

Read more about the Loving Still cast and team here!

ABOUT 836M
836M is a nonprofit arts organization with gallery space in San Francisco. Its mission is to ignite people’s hearts and minds through live artistic and cultural experiences. 836M’s programming includes gallery exhibitions, documentary screenings and events beyond its walls, including public spaces in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 836M assembles content inspired by the art world and other fields, including science, technology and sociology. 836M is a partner organization of NextWorld, a global organization combining investments and philanthropic activities, with a common purpose of managing capital to benefit future generations.

For more information about 836M and its programming, visit 836m.org

Photos by Helena Palazzi for Studio Helena Palazzi