Feminal

Join us for Feminal a confronting dance-theatre production, that explores how women’s bodies are objectified, exposing the impact of stereotypes, history, and expectations on women, through gripping storytelling, choreography and striking visuals.  

Opening with Initial Dissent, created by Becca Hoback, that delves into the aftermath of her turbulent relationship with religion and shattered ideas of purity. Unravelling a suspenseful narrative that investigates the psyche of a woman on the verge of transformation, this haunting work asks the question if this change is a conscious decision, or a fate imposed on her.

Choreographed by Roy Assaf in collaboration with Ariel Freedman, A Girl sees a woman in red, on a narrow white floor, dancing a dance, exposing herself to cliches of femininity.  This provocative piece challenges the audience, making them confront their role as spectators and exposing the complex web of expectations, biases, and judgements that shape our perceptions of the performer and ourselves.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, dance artist Becca Hoback developed Enactor Productions to create performances and movement workshops that process lived experiences and embody transformation. Breaking free from her conservative religious upbringing and strict ballet training, she explores identity and the emotional body through contemporary dance.

“The two pieces sit well together, contrasting and overlapping. “Initial Dissent” is dark, suppressed. “A Girl” seems bright with highlights of supposed optimism. Both scratch the surface of outside appearance exploring issues buried beneath.” – Clare O’Brien

“…strikes a riveting balance of the physical and emotional. Audiences familiar with [Hoback’s] work already know her long, angular Pina Bausch frame and limbs, and the way they carve space. This frame is animated with vivid interiority and an actor’s mind for point of view.” – Outer Voice, Clay Steakley

Enactor Productions (EP) creates performances and workshops that use movement to process life experiences and embody transformation. Breaking free from her conservative religious upbringing and strict ballet training, director Becca Hoback explores identity and the emotional body through contemporary dance.

In addition to creating self-choreographed dance-theater solos, Hoback has worked with choreographers Ana Maria Lucaciu, Ben Green, Roy Assaf, Ariel Freedman, and Chen-Wei Lee to curate EP’s solo repertory. With a passion for promoting physical awareness, empathy, and empowerment, EP facilitates community workshops for movers of all abilities and choreography workshops for dancers.

The solo work EP has curated has been programmed locally in Nashville and internationally at festivals + residencies in Europe and the Middle East. EP creates long-lasting connections with creative communities while on tour by partnering with theaters and festivals to engage the local dance community, thus hosting collaborative re-creation processes and performance opportunities.

Hoback received the writer’s choice for “Best Movement Artist” in the Nashville Scene’s 2022 “Best of Nashville” awards. In 2020, she received a Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship for her solo work. She also received the audience award at SOLOCOREOGRAFICO Torino 2022 for her solo performance of Rendering.