Renowned choreographer Shannon Murphy has captivated audiences once again with her latest dance creation, “Heartshakes.” Premiering to an eager crowd, Murphy’s innovative work draws inspiration from the most intimate and enigmatic organ of the human body—the heart. Infused with an eclectic blend of dance, original sound scores, puppetry, and poetry, “Heartshakes” delves into the complex interplay between life and death, love and grief, and the pulsating rhythm that connects us all.
Shannon Murphy, known not only as a choreographer but also as a somatic educator and dance artist, has forged a unique creative path at the intersection of anatomical and movement research. Drawing from her diverse background, Murphy’s dance masterpiece seeks to unveil the profound connections that exist between the corporeal and the ethereal.
“Heartshakes” has been a labor of love for Murphy, evolving over several years. She explains, “This work demanded that my pedagogical, anatomical, and creative research not be considered separate entities. By allowing these different facets of my life and work to interweave, I was able to take risks, experiment, and invigorate my creative process.”
As a professor of dance, Murphy is deeply committed to nurturing movement studies as a deeply introspective practice. Her classes explore how somatically informed practices challenge prevailing notions of the body, health, and decolonization. Notably, her teachings have centered around the heart, vessels, and blood, offering students a unique perspective on their internal landscapes.
Murphy’s artistic journey took an intriguing turn when she fulfilled a longstanding ambition—to attend an integrative anatomy dissection lab at the Institute of Anatomical Research in Colorado Springs. Her aim was to deepen her understanding of the mediastinum, the transitional space surrounding the heart. However, her experience was unexpectedly transformative. “Instead of finding the clear connections I sought, I encountered a messy entanglement—a facial goo. Yet, this unexpected encounter ignited a new wave of questions and insights that I was eager to bring back into the studio,” says Murphy.
This blend of scientific curiosity and artistic exploration became the bedrock of “Heartshakes.” Murphy’s choreography envisions the fantastical experiences of the mediastinum, utilizing meditative and dreamlike states to breathe life into her movement and textual compositions. The dance ingeniously extends the idea of circulation, fusing the vascular system with the external environment.
Murphy’s signature style is unmistakable in “Heartshakes,” characterized by sweeping phrase work and a profound sense of connection among the dancers. The collaboration with a dynamic ensemble of performers, including Patricia Dominguez, Beau Hancock, Michele Tantoco, and Sara Yassky, alongside younger talents, results in a mesmerizing tapestry of movement and emotion.
Catch “Heartshakes” along with a lineup of cutting-edge performances at the Cannonball Fest, an independent performing arts hub within the Philadelphia Fringe. This vibrant event showcases risk-taking artists in back-to-back performances, fostering creative exchanges and community engagement.
Shannon Murphy’s artistic journey has traversed the realms of dance, education, and anatomy. Holding an MFA in Dance from the University of the Arts and a BA in dance from Point Park University, Murphy’s unique blend of disciplines has positioned her as a leading figure in the dance world. Her commitment to radical sustainability and injury prevention has led her to develop innovative curricula that support healing for performers. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Temple University and has made significant contributions to institutions like Drexel University and UArts.
As an accomplished performer and collaborator, Murphy’s choreographies span various genres, from contemporary dance theater to musical theater and improvisational scores. Her work has graced esteemed venues like Penn Museum and The Painted Bride Art Center, captivating audiences with its depth and creativity.
Shannon Murphy’s “Heartshakes” stands as a testament to her exceptional artistry and her ability to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and artistic expression. Through her profound exploration of the human heart and its resonances, Murphy has once again demonstrated her prowess in pushing the boundaries of dance and enriching the cultural landscape of Philadelphia.
Heartshakes
Shannon Murphy
Friday, 9/1/2023 at 8:00 pm
Thursday, 9/7/2023 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, 9/17/2023 at 2:00 pm
The Icebox Project Space, 1400 N American St, Philadelphia
Tickets: $25 General Admission, Pay what you can, $5, $25, $20 or Supporter $50
Online at https://phillyfringe.org/events/heartshakes/
