Studio B, Lydia Johnson Dance Team Up for "Pina"

Two Maplewood - South Orange arts organizations are joining forces for the first time for a special event in honor of National Dance Month.

Studio B, which showcases local talent through original performance events such as Story Slam, the Speakeasy Series and Hybrids, is teaming up with the acclaimed Lydia Johnson Dance Company to present a screening of Wim Wenders's documentary Pina, preceded by a live performance by LJD Company dancers.

The event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Burgdoff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved at studiobmaplewood@gmail.com.

"We really admire Lydia's work," said Marcy Thompson, Studio B co-founder. "We've been looking for a way to collaborate with her for some time, and this screening seemed like the perfect place to start. Lydia will create an inspiring connection between the film and our community."

Eric Wiliams and Kerry Shea will perform their stunning duet from a work in progress by Johnson set to Osvaldo Golijov, said Thompson.

The event is part of The Catalyst Film Series, which Studio B launched in October of 2012. The series includes six documentaries about the role of artists as agents of social change.

Each screening is followed by a panel discussion comprised of local artists and guided by moderator Julie Burstein, author of SPARK: How Creativity Works, and creator of NPR’s Studio 360. 

Nominated for an Academy Award in 2012, Pina is a portrayal of the renowned late German choreographer, Pina Bausch. The panel discussion will focus on how dance resonates in the Maplewood - South Orange community.

"It’s a thrill to see how much creative energy there is in our community," said Burstein in a press release. "By using film as a framework for discussion, we delve deeper into how art is an essential element in of all of our lives.” 

For more information on the full Catalyst season, go to www.studiobmaplewood.org