No Exit

Repertory

No Exit, a movement opera

Video Clips

Premiere: McCullough Theater, University of Texas / May 1997 / 58 minutes / Eight Dancers / Choreographed by Andrea Ariel / Lighting Design by Jason Amato / Assist. Lighting Design by C.J. Swinburn / Costume Design by Roxana Ramseur / Set Design by Chris Krager and Ann Marie Gordon. / Photography by Minh Carrico and Michael Whiston.
Dance Performed by: Andrea Ariel, Ellen Bartel, Benjamin Briones, Karen Camelet, Kevin Magee, Vanessa Muncrief, Luis Narvaez, Melissa O'Dell.

One of the premiere works of 1997 was No Exit , a movement opera. Choreographed in three acts, the work portrays a dramatic story of transcendence as it follows the cast on a journey to the crossroads of life and spiritual flight. A visual spectacle of exuberant dancing, with swirling patterns counter-balanced by the weight of vintage suitcases and striking images of clay-encrusted bodies, freed of earthly belongings and transformed in an otherworldly finale.

"Ariel fills stage space with interesting visual elements to spin strong dancers into . . . subtle and delightful abilities with humor-in an odd angling of a wrist, a flexed-footed jump, a grimace, or a surprise, twisting leap from nowhere. Whiplash ice skating star patterns are combined and recombined as the intensity waxes, but a freeze frame finale is snapshot perfect and just enough."

Beth Kerr, Austin American-Statesman

"Her use of existing images and forms to re-create them into her own metaphor makes for a thought-provoking invitation to see her future endeavors."

Tiko Lieou, The Texas Triangle