The Shedding Of Velvet

Antlers are a secondary sex characteristic of male deer, falling off and re-growing annually. In the early stages of growth, antlers are covered in velvet, which provides nourishment. Once antlers reach maturity, the velvet sheds, falling away in strips and leaving the newly hardened antlers covered in blood. The shedding of velvet is one of the few instances of bloodshed in nature which is not a consequence of violence, the other being menstruation. While menstruation is perceived as a subject of shame, and female secondary sex characteristics are perceived either with disgust or desire, antlers and the shedding of velvet are perceived as powerful symbols of respect and authority.

In this debut solo show, Janina Smolira gathers materials, dreams, imaginings, and impulses, assembling a creature to evolve in its own image. If you were emerging from the earth anew, what shape would you take? In a state of unfettered evolution, what self becomes possible?

Content warning: Partial nudity

Choroegraphy/Performance/Production: Janina Smolira

Sound Design/Music Composition: Scarlett Peckham

Spatial Design: Grace Bella

Lighting Design and Technical Operation: Tom Smith

Rehearsal Director: Cecelia Wilcox

Yaga Arts is home to the choreographic experiments of Janina Smolira and collaborators. Janina has a passion for crafting Contemporary Dance that queries and nudges against the borders of theatre and performance. They are interested in crafting intimate works where performers and audience cohabitate to investigate matters of the flesh and heart.