Lisa Fagan and Lena Engelstein
Friday Night Rat Catchers
Mar 28 Stay Late Discussion moderated by Alex Tatarsky
Beneath the shimmer of a disco ball, lucky contestants dance like they have the world on a string. The year is 1976, an irresistible bassline drives and the martinis never run dry. What could go wrong?
While the contestants nearly lose their minds with the pleasure of being selected, The Host has reconfigured the game. Ripped headfirst from their shrimp cocktail, gameplay unfolds at breakneck speed. Cement punctures the dancehall, the party grinds to a halt, and an inky night belches to the surface.
Bridging dance and theater, this new work by experimental choreographers Lisa Fagan and Lena Engelstein features Marianne Rendón, sound by Tei Blow, costumes by Normandy Sherwood, lighting by Masha Tsimring, and set by Jian Jung.
Creators/performers: Lisa Fagan and Lena Engelstein
Performer and devising partner: Marianne Rendón
Dramaturge: Iris McCloughan
Sound design: Tei Blow
Lighting design: Masha Tsimring
Costume design: Normandy Sherwood
Set design: Jian Jung
Producer: Emma Orme
Production Manager: Karl Allen
Stage manager: Daniel Nelson
Friday Night Rat Catchers was commissioned by New York Live Arts and produced and created in association with Immediate Medium. Friday Night Rat Catchers was developed with support from a Foundation for Contemporary Art Grants to Artists Award (2025) and received research and development support from Fisher Center LAB, the residency and commissioning program at Bard’s Fisher Center, and Mercury Store. This project was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Live Feed creative residency program is supported in part by Partners for New Performance.
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