The art of art-making goes through many unique processes: prompts, inspiration, feedback, collaboration, frustration, improvisation. One constant in this process is play – the notions of experimentation, risk, and curiosity.

State of Play invites you to join the creative process through a curated artistic exchange, presenting premieres and works in progress from artists across the Bay Area and the US paired with engagement activities designed to bring audience and artist closer together.

handle is a choreographic look at subtle and not so subtle ways of being active, present and involved. A person calling their dog, a tennis player waiting for the serve, a pedestrian adjusting to the flow of people. Attention and feeling, skillful bodily movement. We sense, we handle. Nicole Peisl, Austrian, has had a long career as a performer, creator and teacher. After working with William Forysthe for 14 years, she recently earned a Phd. in Performance Studies at UC Davis. Her extensive training in somatic practices strongly informs her creative work. Her choreographic work has been performed in The Netherlands, Germany, Austria as well as in California.

All members of the public are invited to participate in curated discussions, games, debates, and panels with the artists.

[Image Description: Close up of a hand with fingers pointed directly to the screen away from the persons face, which is turned away. The person wears a blue striped top, has dark hair and white skin.]