University Settlement Presents VEIL: TWO SISTERS

Veil: Two Sisters is the culmination of over two years development including travel to India, to be presented at the University Settlement, March 29-30, 2019. Created by NYC choreographer Cynthia Berkshire, the multimedia performance reveals two sisters lured into a link between the earthly and heavenly realms, as one sister calls forth the other from death. A poignant vision of our emotional and psychic lives, the experiential program invites the public to connect to their own processes of reckoning.

Berkshire's work is original, blending realistic and abstract gesture and phrasing. Progressing with a sense of both unraveling and holding back, a simplicity expands into motion and emotion as circles, white flowing fabric, falling marigolds and a mysterious chorus of spirits accompany the reunion of two sisters and their process of forgiveness.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4090349

Website: https://www.cynthiaberkshire.com/

A gifted team of artists reunite. Krista Jansen, a former performer with Doug Elkins Choreography and four additional performers meet in the studio. Cynthia studied Shorin Ryu Karate with Krista in the 1990s, and directed three of the others. Shaun Irons and Lauren Petty provide visuals, broadening and deepening the experience of VEIL; Cynthia performed in theirWhy Why Always at Abrons Art Center, 2017.

Accompanying the performance is a series of four creative movement workshops, free and open to the public. Group material will be incorporated into the piece, and some participants will join the performance. Lani Miller, NY Insight meditation teacher, will co-lead one session.

Cynthia Berkshire is a Manhattan-based choreographer, director, graphic designer and performer. Her work has been generously supported through residencies including White Oak Plantation and Palenville Interarts Colony. She has shown her work at PS122, Performance Mix, Dixon Place, Chashama, Theatre for the New City, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Sanctuary Theatre, Glen Echo Park, and Washington Theatre Festival where she was nominated for Best Director. Celebrated director Anne Bogart called Cynthia: "smart, adventurous, talented and innovative"; while Vallejo Ganter, former PS 122 Artistic Director, described Cynthia's VEIL: Two Sisters as "fascinating."

As a performer, Cynthia was a member of Kei Takei's company for over two years, and has appeared in projects by Sally Silvers, Noemie LaFrance (co-director), Shaun Irons & Lauren Petty. She's performed at venues including Abron Arts Center, Wave Hill, Judson Church, LaMama, Walker Art Center, Atlantic Center for the Arts and Cripa Center, India. Her eclectic arts background includes creating several digital films; graphic design for a number of prestigious firms; and serving as a movement coach and choreographer for theatre productions.