Birth + Carnage – December 18-21

ABOUT

Birth + Carnage is a dance work at the intersection of choreography and astrophysics. Born from the collaboration between choreographer Marla Phelan and astrophysicist Dr. Blakesley Burkhart, the piece draws from computational simulations of stellar birth as both visceral metaphor and choreographic framework.

In collaboration with director Tim Richardson, astrophysical data is rendered into large-scale digital projections—shifting visual fields that echo cycles of transformation. Dancers are immersed within these simulations, creating a feedback loop of allegory and sensation. The score by James Newberry deepens the emotional terrain through layered sonic landscapes.

Birth + Carnage explores how cosmic and human systems reflect one another—tracing a bridge between the vastness of the universe and the depths of human connection.

CREDITS

Choreographer + Director: Marla Phelan
Director: Tim Richardson
Composer: James Newberry
Digital Artist: REINFECTED.ME
Digital Artist: KLSR
Producer: Yazmany Arboleda
Producer: Cameron Sczempka
Producer: Lisa kjerulff

BIOS

Marla Phelan is a choreographer and performer across stage, film, fashion, and immersive installations. She merges physical rigor with emotional depth through interdisciplinary storytelling. Phelan premiered work at Lincoln Center, The Joyce Theater, and Juilliard, and has been featured in Nowness, VMagazine, and NewYork Magazine.

Phelan movement directed for artists like Fischerspooner and campaigns including Mugler and Mazda. Her theater credits include Fiddler on the Roof (National Tour), The McKittrick Hotel, and City Springs Theater. A Juilliard graduate, she has performed internationally, on Broadway, with Punchdrunk, Hofesh Shechter, Akram Khan, and Gibney.

Phelan is an Open Interval Resident Artist, Alvin Ailey NDCL and Gibney MTJ Fellow, grant recipient from Simons Foundation, LMCC, and AKC Fund, and founder of Movement Museum.