There is a lot of talent under the roof at 360 Walnut — and one Bea Dawg.
“Bea Dawg is the star of the show,” says Neile Martin, one of the choreographers for the upcoming dance production of The Firebird. The affable, tail-wagging, tongue-lolling Off the Walls Art warehouse dog is limited to one talent — an overload of cuteness. But that’s okay. The talent pool is covered by the many artists working in the shared space.
Yvonne Bobo and Brendan Duffy had planned events for 2020 in their renovated mid-century 12,000-square-foot warehouse. Everything had to wait. Until now.
“Before and after the performances, we are having an art exhibition down here where my office is,” says Duffy. The basement office has a handmade, wall-length bar. “I’ll be back there serving drinks.” Upstairs, the dancers are practicing. Co-choreographer Ashley Volner steps in time with fellow dancers Grace Byrd, Aiyanna LaRue, and Conor Chaparro. Including Martin, the dancers have nearly 100 years of combined dance experience. “When I ran into Yvonne at Memphis Rox and she talked about a collaboration, I conferred with Ashley and said, ‘Put me in coach,’” says Martin.
A fiery bird wall mural created from an original sketch by local artist Melanie Pyron is the backdrop for the performance utilizing Bobo’s metal sculpture. Stravinsky’s score, adapted for modern dance, provides the music. “We wanted music that was well-known, beautiful, and could be adapted. Not only is Stravinsky’s musical score well-known and beautiful — it’s public domain,” says Martin.
The Firebird, Off the Walls, 360 Walnut, opens Saturday, July 31, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m., continues Sunday, 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. through Aug. 7, $12.