Pioneer Winter Collective in "Birds of Paradise II" in May 2022. (Photo by by Karli Evans)
In collaboration with local artists, choreographer Pioneer Winter says he continues to transform "Birds of Paradise," which first premiered just out of the pandemic in 2021 at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Now, Pioneer Winter Collective (PWC) performs at the Sandrell Rivers Theater at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2.
Pioneer Winter Collective in "Birds of Paradise II," May 2022 (Photo by Mitchell Zachs)
The idea of the bird of paradise emerged as a choreographic inspiration, a queer response to the mythical phoenix – the bird reborn from its own ashes, according to Winter.
The new and evolving work confronts notions of dance by exploring movement with people of varied physical ability, body type, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and experiences. Featuring live dance performance, film, and sound alchemy, Birds of Paradise has morphed into each space (or spaces) it's been performed since the premiere at the Arsht.
Audiences will be seated in the round to share a stunning performance experience that is both intimate and larger than life.
Pioneer Winter Collective in "Birds of Paradise II, May 2022. (Photo by Passion Ward)
“This is my first time including myself as a performer in Birds of Paradise,” says Pioneer Winter, who recalls 2019 being the last time he performed. “This chapter of Birds of Paradise is particularly poignant for me since it’s my return to the stage. Also, I feel this cast and team of collaborators demonstrates how much we’ve grown and evolved in spite of challenges. The theme of ‘turning falling into flight’ runs through the veins of our entire process. This premiere also traces a path from previous iterations - conveying a new sense of rigor and wholeness.”
Winter is joined by Clarence Brooks, Jessica Gilmore, Junior Domingos, Hector Machado, Niurca Marquez, Shamar Watt, and Pioneer Winter. Collaborators include film production by White Elephant Group and McKenzie Mortensen, production design by Hans Lau, music and sound design by Juraj Kojs, poetry and spoken word by PWC’s inaugural Poet-in-Residence Arsimmer McCoy, costume design by Karelle Levy (KRELwear), and lighting design by Apon Nichols.
"Birds of Paradise" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, March 31 followed by a reception, and also 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at the Sandrell Rivers Theater, 6103 NW 7 Ave, Miami.
Tickets are $23 general admission and $13 student. Free parking.
For tickets: tickets.ftfshows.com/TheatreManager/1/login?event=963
Info at http://pioneerwinter.com
