Disability Arts Ensemble Kinetic Light Takes Flight in World Premiere of Wired

Internationally-recognized disability arts ensemble Kinetic Light returns to the stage to premiere its latest work Wired May 5-8, presented by MCA Chicago as part of the museum’s Entanglements performance series developed by MCA curator of performance and public practice, Tara Aisha Willis. The presentation includes four accessible in-person performances and a virtual livestream.

Wired is a potent contemporary aerial dance performance that explores race, gender, and disability stories of barbed wire in the United States, tracing the fine line between “us” and “them” and exploring the contradictions, dangers, and beauty of barbed wire. Immense and intimate, Wired meditates in sound, light, and movement as the work questions and ruminates on power, belonging, abolition and deinstitutionalization, sexuality, art, community, and connection—all through the powerful lens of disability as creative and cultural force. 

“Wired’s development began in 2019 and has continued through these pandemic years due to the dedication and incredible work of Kinetic Light’s artists, collaborators, production team, and administrative staff,” stated Alice Sheppard, Kinetic Light Founder & Artistic Director. “Our company is thrilled to return to the stage to share this work, in all its accessible forms, with the world.”

Wired is performed by company members Jerron Herman, Laurel Lawson, and Sheppard. The work is directed and choreographed by Sheppard, with choreographic collaborators Herman and Lawson. Lighting, projection, scenic, and production design is by Kinetic Light company member Michael Maag.

 Artist Josephine Shokrian conceived and created prop and scenic design, including various forms of Wired’s signature “coilography” and set pieces. Musicians Leahann “Lafemmebear” Mitchell and Ailís Ní Ríain have each composed original scores for discrete sections of Wired. Costume and makeup design are by Lawson. Chicago Flyhouse provided rigging and flight consultation, in addition to more than 30 independent rigging, automation, and flight production professionals and consultants who have contributed to Wired. 

Access is integral to Wired; Kinetic Light commits to an artistically equitable access approach within its artistic works, culture, and day-to-day operation. Audio description for Wired is available through Audimance, Kinetic Light’s signature multiplex audio description app. Wired expresses Kinetic Light’s expansive access culture, integrating artistic and audience experience details for tactile and sensory access, and two performances include alternate lighting design. Kinetic Light collaborated with MCA Chicago and Bodies of Work to offer accessible theater experiences through expanded accessible seating, accessible marketing, patron services, lobby exhibits, quiet space, and more. 

In-Person performances will take place May 5-8 and a livestream will take place on May 7. Tickets are $30 for in-person performances and pay-what-you-choose for the livestream. Click here to learn more.