Ghostly Labor: A Dance Film (Screening and Director Q&A)
The Division of Diversity and Inclusion and School of Performing Arts present
Ghostly Labor: A Dance Film
Screening and Director Q&A
“Ghostly Labor: A Dance Film” explores the history of labor in the US–Mexico borderlands through Tap Dance, Mexican Zapateado, Son Jarocho, Afro Caribbean movement, and live music. This documentary dance film brings together polyrhythmic movement and an original score to underline the history of systemic labor exploitation while highlighting the power and joy of collective resistance.
Based on farmworker interviews in California, this excerpt honors the sacred hands that feed us and was filmed on Avila Garcia Farms with support from Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS), a non-profit advocacy organization for farmworkers in Half Moon Bay, CA. A full-length dance theater production of Ghostly Labor will premiere in 2023.
Following the screening, please enjoy a question and answer session with the film director, Vanessa Sanchez. Moderated by Assistant Professor of Dance Elliot Emadian.
Vanessa Sanchez is a Chicana dancer, choreographer and educator who focuses on community arts to emphasize voices and experiences of Latina, Chicana, and Indigenous womxn. Based in San Francisco, she is a 2019 Dance/USA Artist Fellow and the founding Executive Artistic Director of La Mezcla. Her work has been featured on international stages including The Lincoln Center (NY), Jacob’s Pillow (MA) and Festival Internacional Cervantino (Mexico). Her production “Pachuquísmo” received an Izzie Award for Outstanding Production, and her new production “Ghostly Labor,” a Hewlett 50 Arts Commission, is currently touring the US. She was a dance lecturer at UC Santa Cruz 2020-2023 is an artist in residence at Brava! For Women in the Arts.
Please join us for a post-event reception in the Wolk Foundation Reception Area, immediately outside the theater, generously supported by Student Affairs
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No