Zachor

ABOUT THIS PROJECT:

As a 2019-2020 Artist in Residence at Chelsea Theatre Works, I am creating “Zachor: Honoring WWII Holocaust Survivors through Dance”. This evening length work combines literature and contemporary dance as a means to preserve accounts of WWII Holocaust survivors. This project aims to educate diverse audiences on the millions persecuted and killed under the Nazi Regime due to their religion, ethnicity, sexuality, and political beliefs. In doing so, the project achieves a fundamental human responsibility to remember these events. Communities who fail to remember the atrocities of the past ultimately allow history to repeat itself; as it can be seen today with the detention and persecution of immigrants in the U.S..

The cumulative performance will take place in Chelsea Theatre Works Black Box Theatre. While the dates of the premiere (August 21& 22, 2020) are subject to change due to COVID-19, the project is still confirmed to happen once public gatherings are again safe for communities.

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN: 

*This project is funded in part by both Combined Jewish Philanthropies and by New England Foundation for the Arts’ New England Dance Fund, with generous support from the Aliad Fund at the Boston Foundation. With the award of these grants, the project is almost halfway to its fundraising goal of $7,000.* Donations will help fairly compensate all involved personnel: 9 professional dancers, 2 administrative staff, and 4 technical crew members. In addition, proceeds will subsidize performance tickets for eligible community members.

I am committed to providing this unique, artistic representation of holocaust testimonials for all Boston community members through discounted and complimentary tickets. However, this level of accessibility is only possible once compensation for all personnel is secured.

I need your help to create this unique holocaust education opportunity for those who would not otherwise have access or exposure. Any amount that you can donate, be that $4, $18, or $60 is incredibly appreciated and will not go unnoticed.

Now more than ever, art that celebrates resilience and unity is of utmost importance. Your support contributes to not only the vitality of these survivors’ testimonies, but also supports many talented, Boston based dancers and artists. 


ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Rachel Linsky is an independent choreographer, dancer and educator based in Boston. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography and a BA in Arts Administration from Elon University. As a performer, Rachel currently works with Connections Dance Theater under the direction of Jenny Oliver, and dances as an apprentice with KAIROS Dance Theater under the direction of DeAnna Pellecchia. She has also recently performed as a guest with Peter DiMuro/Public Displays of Motion. Some of her recent choreographic credits include: Christine Evan’s “Trojan Barbie” directed by Kim Shively, Ten Tiny Dances at the Dance Complex, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, and the North Carolina Dance Education Organization Conference. Rachel is currently on the teaching faculty at Urbanity Dance, The Dance Academy of Siagel Productions, Velocity Dance Company, and Apollinaire Play Lab. 

https://rachellinsky.weebly.com/zachor.html


*Please note that while our initial fundraising campaign goal was 6,000, we have since increased it to 7,000 to help prepare for changes that will be made to keep audiences and dancers safe as a result of COVID-19. This may include live streaming the performance and therefore losing live audience ticket sales, or hosting more than three performances to accommodate smaller audience sizes. stay tuned for updates for what the performance will look like!