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Flyaway Productions/ The Ballad of Polly Ann

SOMARTS Cultural Center
San Francisco, CA

"substance trumps considerable spectacle"
the SF Examiner...

The Ballad of Polly Ann is an evening length dance instigated by San Francisco choreographer Jo Kreiter, in collaboration with composer Pamela Z, figureplant, rigger Karl Gillick, lighting designer Mathew Antaky, labor historian Harvey Schwartz,and Flyaways seven dancers: Alayna Stroud, Kelly Kemp, Raissa Simpson, Melissa Caywood, Jennifer Chien, Mary Ann Brooks and Britt Karhoff. The project celebrates the women who have contributed to the design and construction of Bay Area bridges. Community partners for the project include Tradeswomen Inc., and LaborFest.

The Ballad of Polly Ann is inspired by the lyric of a folksong The Legend of John Henry's Hammer: Take my hammer, Polly Ann, and go to that railroad. Swing that hammer like you seen me do it. And when you're swinging with the lead man, they'll all know you're John Henry's woman but tell them ain't all you can do. Henrys wife, Polly Ann, picks up his hammer when he dies and drives that steel just like a man. Polly Anns triumph provides a metaphor for women in the labor force and potent inspiration for this new work.

As movement artists who work primarily with steel apparatus, Flyaway's company and their artistic director, Jo Kreiter, regard the image of steel driving with the loving admiration of a conceptual artist, drawing inspiration from the physical, emotional, cultural and personal impact of the experience of women iron-workers from the seventies to the present.

Note: Seating is Limited. Advance Tickets Recommended. Box Office will open at 7:15pm and can ONLY accept cash or check at the door. Door price $25.

Kid Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Non-Smoking: No

Wheelchair Accessible: No

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