Perfume Genius Readies Dance Performance Piece 'The Sun Still Burns Here'

It was co-directed with choreographer Kate Wallich

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Apr 29, 2019

While Perfume Genius (a.k.a. Mike Hadreas) has yet to follow up his 2017 album No Shape, he's announced that his next work will be a new dance and live music performance piece.

Hadreas has teamed with Seattle choreographer Kate Wallich on a work titled The Sun Still Burns Here. The production is described as "a three-dimensional performance that integrates indie rock with contemporary dance" created by two musicians, five dancers and four designers.

A representative confirmed to Stereogum that Hadreas will take part in the onstage dance performance, in addition to composing music for the piece.

"Dance has become a vital part of my live performances over the last few years," Hadreas explained in a statement. "Working with Kate, creating movement and sound and a new world at the very same time — I feel like we're unlocking something we couldn't have alone. Dance isn't a response to the music or vice versa since they have been braided together from the start."

Wallich added, "This is the first time The YC has worked with a composer who is also a dancer and performer, and that's what drew me to working with Mike in the first place. It's also the first time I have co-directed a work with someone outside of my own company. Because of this, we're all pushing our work into new territories, and what's happening is something very special."

The Sun Still Burns Here, which will also feature Wallich's dance company the YC, will debut at Seattle's Moore Theatre on October 4 and 5. The production will also be staged at New York's Joyce Theater from November 13 to 17.

Hadreas will play Edmonton's Interstellar Rodeo as Perfume Genius this July.

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