Finding kid-friendly shows in contemporary dance has never been an easy task. It's really a shame, too, because there are so many amazing things for children to experience in contemporary dance, and it's a great alternative to modern media. Do kids really need another Xbox? One of the few projects targeted for children is ODC/Dance's The Velveteen Rabbit, an annual dance-theatre show that makes a great alternative to endless Nutcracker reruns.
Created 22 years ago by ODC co-director and choreographer KT Nelson, this dance-theatre piece has been speaking to local children with intelligence and just a little sentimentality. Nelson seamlessly weaves the story's text narrated by Geoff Hoyle, a score written by Benjamin Britten, costumes designed by children's illustrator Brian Wildsmith, and for the second year, a special performance by deaf actor Ty Giordano.
The choice to include Giordano was an innovative decision on the part of Nelson. Though having deaf interpreters in theatre happens sporadically, seldom are they integrated in dancework the way Giordano is in The Velveteen Rabbit. Nelson chose to make him the narrator, and he actually helps propel the story while signing for the hearing-impaired and deaf audience members. Says Nelson, "It's a pleasure to work with an artist like Ty. He brings a new edge to the piece. He's helped me see the piece in a new way, and after 22 years, that's a challenge."
Incorporated fully into the dancing, Giordano will use American Sign Language (ASL) to narrate the production, giving deaf and hearing-impaired schoolchildren a rare opportunity to experience the full effects of live theater, and adding a new dimension to the show. Giordano is best known for his role as Huck Finn in the original production of Big River on Broadway, and roles in the films A Lot Like Love with Ashton Kutcher, and The Family Stone with Sarah Jessica Parker.
"I count myself privileged to be a part of a long, beautiful, holiday tradition with ODC/Dance," Giordano said. "I'm pleased that KT Nelson has decided to include ASL into this production in a novel way. ODC has had the foresight to include ASL interpreters for more than a decade. The idea of changing the interpreters into a signing narrator makes the experience more inclusive for deaf audiences. As great as having interpreters at a show is, they're often put on the sidelines. With the narrator idea, KT has brought ASL to share center-stage with the dancers. It would be fantastic if, in the future, there are deaf dancers in the company." Giordano performs Nov. 29 & Dec. 1.
For those not familiar with the story of The Velveteen Rabbit, written by Margery Williams in 1922, it's the story of a boy and his stuffed rabbit told from the perspective of the rabbit, who wants to become real. The dance explores the bond between the boy and rabbit, using a narrative supported by music, costumes and athletic dancing. ODC is known for being the dance company for the everyday person, with not too much pseudo-intellectual meandering, gorgeous dancers (they look like they should be in an Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue) and vibrant dancing.
This year, ODC has expanded their community outreach so that, besides including the special performances for the deaf community, there are special performances for grandparents, a partnership with community members to sponsor underprivileged kids to see the production, shows for Girl Scouts, kids performing from the ODC dance school, and even a Milk and Cookies party.
ODC/Dance presents The Velveteen Rabbit at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard at Third St., SF. Runs Nov. 23–Dec. 9 (see website for times and special events). Tickets ($10-$40): (415) 978-2787 or www.ybca.org