Review: The Elevator Project and Artists Sans Frontie'res performance, HAZARDS beautifully captures our shared humanity.

HAZARDS

Directed by Katie Burks
Produced by Artists Sans Frontie’res and The Elevator Project 
at AT&T’s Wyly Studio Theatre

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 90 minutes, 15 minute intermission
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: intense storm noises; war noises; strobe lights, projected
visuals

Accessible Seating: Available

Art as Humanitarian Aid: Reviewed by Glynda Welch

Do the performing arts belong on the frontlines of conflict, violence and war? Katie Burks
answered with an emphatic “Yes” and founded Artists San Frontie’res in April 2022. The
question was triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine but had roots in Burks’ experience in
the field of humanitarian aid relief as a volunteer on the frontlines after hurricanes "Harvey" (Texas) and "Irma"(Florida). As Executive Director Burks has expanded ASF to Ukraine and across
North Texas, providing performances, classes and workshops to more than 1500 people.
Hazards, a moving dance theatre production, pays homage to all people displaced through
natural or man-made trauma. Doubling as Choreographer, Burks and her team of dancers embody the fears, anguish, resilience, and joy experienced by displaced people. Building this performance in the
rehearsal period meant incorporating personal experiences for some of the dancers. For others,
their understanding and empathy grew through research.

Evelyn Randolphe (The Shelterer) reached out to family members who had been directly
impacted by violence and natural disasters. Gabriel Scampini (The Traveler) is a Venezuelan
actor and dancer. Guillermo Solorzano (The Survivor) emigrated from Bogota, Colombia. His
personal experiences form the base of his character. Jean Carrio-Mendez brings familiarity with
the impact of hurricanes from his home country of Puerto Rico. Jaiquan Laurencin, Niki Davis-
Vohs and Marqueneys “MJ” Brice complete the dance company. Whether being blown around
by the wind, climbing summits, fleeing from disaster or hiding, every movement of the
performers tells the stories they inhabit and reveals a shared humanity.

Some stories are revealed in spoken word rather than dance, as characters interact with one
another or speak directly to the audience. Brice wraps up the mission of Hazards and ASF in
one such monologue when she declares, “First there is chaos. Then there is strength and
victory.” The dancers have already shown that human connection is the thread that delivers the
victory.

Lighting Design by Caroline Hodge, Sound Engineering by Charles Seals and the
Projection Mapping provided by LightWare Labs’ Camron and Courtney Ware were essential
enhancements to the immersive nature of this production.

A world premiere performance, Hazards was performed October 11-13. ASF continues to
partner with Dallas-based resettlement organizations like IRC Dallas, Catholic Charities Dallas
and others to bring the arts to all. This performance was supported by the City of Dallas Arts &
Culture. To learn more about ASF, go to their website at www.asf-ngo.org.

Experience Live Theatre

Glynda Welch