Chicago-based choreographer and dance visionary Erin Kilmurray is set to captivate Philadelphia audiences as she brings her groundbreaking dance creation, the Function, to the Philadelphia Fringe Festival for the very first time. This mesmerizing performance, described as a genre-bending explosion of creativity and energy, is slated to take center stage at the Icebox Project Space on September 16th and 17th.
the Function, a femme-powered dance masterpiece, beckons audiences to explore the realm of possibility when empowered to reshape our surroundings, futures, and very realities. With a unique fusion of choreography and tangible elements, four dynamic dancers take the reins, actively constructing, manipulating, and dismantling their own performance worlds. Through a mesmerizing blend of DIY stagecraft, athletic movement, pulsating sonic narratives, and an infectious house party ambiance, the Function promises an experience like no other.
Hailing from Chicago’s vibrant fringe performance scene, Erin Kilmurray unveiled the Function to the world at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in 2022. The show was met with resounding acclaim, with one critic remarking, “Kilmurray’s choreography transcends the visual, pulsating through flesh, tendon, and bone” (Newcity Magazine). Kilmurray’s profound impact on the art of dance earned her a prestigious Illinois Arts Council Fellowship, a testament to her innovation and dedication.
In a daring departure from convention, the Function unfolds in a runway-inspired setting, bringing the audience right into the heart of the action. Spectators are invited to take a seat on multiple sides of the performance, on the very edge of immersing themselves within the captivating world Kilmurray and her team have crafted. The stage is adorned with clip lights, extension cords, and an array of hardware store treasures, all of which contribute to a lively and chaotic display of agency, originality, and imagination. Through this chaotic yet mesmerizing array of elements, the lines between reality and artistic vision blur, transforming into a captivating display that challenges the norm and beckons the viewer to question the very nature of their surroundings.
At the core of the Function is a meticulously designed collaborative effort that merges the creative talents of director, dancers, DJ, and designers. This innovative approach serves as a testament to the power of artistic skill-sharing and mutual support, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that extends beyond the performance itself.
the Function was created and performed by a truly fierce, rag-tag, super-group of Chicago’s baddest independent artists. Along with Kilmurray, the collaborative team includes : DJ / sound designer, VITIGRRL aka Hannah Viti (self described ‘radical, queer, dyke’ of Slo Mo Party and Good Girls Collective), Technical director Bran Moorhead (production manager of iconic Chicago rock venue, Thalia Hall), and celebrated performers Keyierra Collins, Kierah KIKI King, Hannah Santistevan and Maggie Vannucci.
Erin Kilmurray’s artistic journey is a testament to her dedication to pushing boundaries and challenging norms. A true trailblazer, she is the driving force behind the legendary queer punk variety performance project, The Fly Honey Show, which has taken Chicago’s artistic scene by storm since its establishment in 2010. The show recently rocked the iconic Thalia Hall to capacity, leaving audiences craving for more. Kilmurray’s immense contributions to the arts have been recognized through accolades such as the Illinois Arts Council Fellowship Award, acknowledgment as a Chicago Dancemakers Lab Artist, and inclusion in the prestigious list of “50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago” (Newcity).
As the anticipation builds and the stage is set for the Function‘s debut at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Erin Kilmurray’s unique blend of passion, creativity, and community-driven artistry promises to captivate, inspire, and challenge all those fortunate enough to witness this groundbreaking dance performance. With each move, each beat, and each pulse of energy, Kilmurray invites us to reimagine our world and embrace the beauty of collaborative artistry.
the Function
Erin Kilmurray
September 16, 2023 9.00pm
September 17, 2023 5.00pm
The Icebox Project Space, 1400 N American St, Philadelphia
This event is appropriate for ages 18+
Tickets: General Admission: $25 + PWYC Options
Online at https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-function/
