DANCE

Psophonia Dance Company applies the pressure in their newest production Squeeze, June 26, 2009 at 8:00 pm and June 27, 2009 at 8pm with an encore performance at 10pm at Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex. In a culture of consumerism marked by a recession, Squeeze questions the ever-tightening pressure of a society marked by a desire for more.

Squeeze is everybody’s story rolled into a saucy little carnival show. It’s the little inner voice of the choices we’ve made about money. If it feels good do it; get it; buy it. Everybody says so. Satisfy your deepest desires (on credit) with immediate gratification. Don’t just look- touch, take. Get that house, buy that car, fill your life with stuff. Do it all with music, song and dancing showgirls. Let Psophonia take you away for an hour. In the world of credit, you can buy now and pay later and later and later.

How did America become a consuming society rather than a producing society? How were we so easily swayed into the consumer mindset? Most importantly, how do we discover what we truly need and discard the excess? How do we recognize a necessity from a mere want?

Co-Artistic Director, Sophia L. Torres comments, “We are all feeling the pressure, sweating a bit under the hot lamp. Everyone is stretched to their limits and people are wound up in knots. It’s no wonder with huge market swings, fluctuating gas prices and job uncertainty. Squeeze is my response to these pressures.”

Set as a vaudeville show, Squeeze lures the audience into the land of illusion with show girls and debutants. Squeeze reveals characters trying to stay afloat as the rug is yanked out from underneath their feet. An intimate interaction, Squeeze invites the audience to lean in and take a closer look. So why not sink into your seat and enjoy a slightly disturbing but highly seductive world of money where nothing is guaranteed.

The gritty performance will be played by Scarlett Barnes, Stephanie Beall, Naphtali Beyleveld, Sophia L. Torres, Tapley Whaley and Toni Valle as the ringmaster. Music compiled and composed by Jeremy DiMatteo.

Show times are Friday, June 26 at 8pm and Saturday, June 27 at 8pm and 10pm -a new night time performance- at Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex 2201 Preston St. Tickets are $12 reservation and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, call 713-802-1181.ext. 4 or visit www.psophonia.com.