Danceacution: Performance Practice, Death Row, and the Evolution of Cultural Reform

Danceacution is a unique course in performance practice taught by nationally recognized choreographer Alex Ketley. Creative expression does not exist in a vacuum but is deeply influenced by the societal contexts surrounding it. The class will use the vast breadth of Bill Clark's life experience as the platform to develop their own artwork. Bill Clark is an artist and writer incarcerated on Death Row. This can take the form of writing, film making, dance, music, or theater. Bill is offering some of his most inspiring writing to the class as a foundation for research and will call into the class each week from the prison phone so the students can interact with him directly. Alex Ketley has built theater pieces from numerous creative vantage points and will guide the students in the development of their work. At the end of the quarter there will be a performance that Bill will attend via San Quentin's video conference system where he and Alex will offer feedback to each student. Danceacution is an opportunity for students to engage their creative impulses through the lens of two artists deeply committed to the idea that art has the ability to affect meaningful change in our society. Enrollment is by permission only. Please email the instructor at aketley@stanford.edu to inquire.