Attack Theatre’s jazzy premiere
“Selling out” a concert or performance always sounds good, even if it means different things to different companies. When the Pittsburgh Symphony sells out Heinz Hall, Downtown, for example, that means it sold nearly 3,000 tickets. Ditto when the opera or ballet sells out the Benedum Center.
But take a step away from these larger, multi-million-dollar organizations into the rich, breathing cultural life of the city, where organizations like Attack Theatre and Chamber Music Pittsburgh are working together to put on a premiere this weekend.
In Attack’s new performance space, which it began leasing during the pandemic, selling out the space means only about 100 people will attend.
Trés intimate.
That concentrated atmosphere is a key component of the show “Behind Ourself Concealed,” which features contemporary dance set to a variety of jazz, folk and world music from a recently released album by six living composers including the Cuban saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera from Feb. 24-26 at Attack Theatre Studios in Lawrenceville.
“Modern dance is actually quite accessible,” said Michele de la Reza, Attack’s cofounder and artistic director. “There are no words. Like music, it communicates through symbols and metaphors.”
“Behind Ourself Concealed” is conceptual — it will follow a loose, indefinite narrative about expressing internal emotions that weaves the different pieces of music together. It will take about an hour and a half including intermission. The first half will be Paquito D’Rivera in a concert format while the longer second half will feature the dancers.
As in most shows in Pittsburgh, the foundation community has had a hand in funding this performance. The vast majority of arts groups, large and small, subsist primarily on donations these days, mostly from individuals and foundations, with dollars from ticket sales typically accounting for less than half of their operating budgets.
The performing arts, particularly the “fine” performing arts, are niche. To break even, ticket prices would have to be astronomically high.
The Steel City’s philanthropic community has long nudged arts groups toward collaboration, and “Behind Ourself Concealed” is no exception. While Attack Theatre is putting the show on, Chamber Music Pittsburgh is helping to market the show as a part of its “Pittsburgh Performs” series.
“We already had budgeted for marketing the series, so this was a wonderful partnership,” said Kristen Linfante, Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s executive director.
“Right, and we had the space and sets and tech to actually put the show on,” said de la Reza.
Chamber Music Pittsburgh, which books and presents top-notch musicians from around the world, has a budget of about $500,000, while Attack Theatre, which creates and puts on its own shows, is currently close to $1 million.
In partnering, the organizations are maximizing their resources and hoping to sell out the shows to generate the kind of intensity of experience that a full house, regardless of size, can create.
In the arts, there’s a key point to remember: Popularity and scale do not necessarily translate to high quality and meaningful experiences. In other words, it’s not all about size. The subjectivity is part of the thrill of attending live performances, no matter the genre.
Tickets for “Behind Ourself Concealed” are $45 for general admission with discounts for students, seniors, artists, educators and nonprofit workers. VIP tickets that include a pre-show reception with the artists are $65. Sunday’s performance is “pay as you wish.” More information is at attacktheatre.com.