barefaced...inspired by C.S. Lewis’ Till We Have Faces is a dance production infusing film, narrative, original music and live dance performance. The show will premiere September 14th and we need to raise funds for final production costs and to lower ticket prices to make it accessible.

Who are we?

We are Mikaela Brown and Mackenzie Valley, co-artist directors of Elu Dance Company (see about our company here!) and we have created a thrilling performance based on a novel by beloved C.S. Lewis. Considered perhaps his best work, although not as well known, Till We Have Faces has inspired us to tell this story through dance.

The Performance

The story follows two sisters as they traverse the frontier of truth, trust and devotion.  Inspired by Lewis’ novel, this unique retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche transports its audience to world unknown, laying bare the human condition. We have been bringing this story to life (off and on) for three years, with a brilliant team of artists and collaborators.

The performance of barefaced revolves around two dancers portraying the main characters of the story, sharing the stage with a mixed-medium sculpture resembling an abstract mountain (designed and built by local artist and sculptor Mark Sugiuchi). The audio recordings intermittently carry the plot of the story, bringing the audience into the unknown world the story is evoking. Original music composed and performed by the artists of Ancient Path, use a variety of instruments (violin, horn, flute, piano, drums, voices) to paint an inner landscape that the dancers interact with. The dance films (filmed by local artist Mark Valley) show several different scenes from the inspired story, acting as another layer to this interdisciplinary show. Filmed outdoors and in collaboration with 10 local professional dancers, the dance films intertwine the natural landscape of northeast Ohio and the language of dance. Costuming by Jennie Doran and also by Courtney McCrone enhance the dancers movements and speak to character nuance.

These artists have given of their time, energy and resources FREELY.  Other collaborators have helped by donations, feedback at workshop showings and donations of other resources (like food for dancers!).

The final collaborator is YOU. You are the reason we create meaningful work. We cannot wait to perform and share this work with you on stage. But there are some needs that must be met before we can premiere this show.

This Ioby Campaign will cover the remaining production needs (like securing the venue, pay theatre costs, finishing costumes), and lowering ticket prices. In order to break even, ticket prices can be steep for our fellow neighbors to enjoy this show in the theater. By raising funds, we can lower prices and make barefaced accessible for all!