Denver, CO
What Distracts You?
A two-performer, outdoor show dissecting the nature of distraction in an experimental manner.
What Distracts You? dissects the nature of distraction as both a form of escapism and a method of meditation. There is no limit to what can sidetrack, confuse, and even overwhelm us. We often seek out distractions to divert our attention from more pressing matters. What kind of distractions can be beneficial and which are detrimental? Can the act of being distracted help us process something deeper? Is it possible to delineate between distractions that disconnect us from ourselves and those that bring us closer to knowing who we are? What Distracts You? is a two person show performed by HOLDTIGHT founder and director Gwendolyn Gussman and collaborator Kevin Quinn Marchman with music and sound design by Johnny Butler. Gwendolyn Gussman has performed with Shen Wei Dance Arts, Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance, Sean Curran Company, Vanessa Walters Ripening, Heidi Latsky Dance (guest artist), Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Roger C. Jeffreys Subtle Changes Inc., director Daniel Fish, comedian Amy Sedaris and others. Kevin Quinn Marchman is known for his work as Artistic Director, Education Director, and Co-CEO of Black Actors Guild. Johnny Butler is a Grammy award winning saxophonist, recording artist, arranger, composer, and technologist. What Distracts You?is co-produced by Control Group Productions. Founded in 2015 under the artistic direction of Gwendolyn Gussman, HOLDTIGHT continues to develop, create, self-produce, and present evening-length productions as well as participating and presenting work in several festivals. Premiering and touring work in both NYC and Denver, HOLDTIGHT has worked with over 35 national and international collaborators. For more details and info on the cast, please visit: holdtightcompany.com This performance will be conducted entirely outdoors. HOLDTIGHT is following all Denver Safety regulations regarding COVID-19. Including but not limited to: -Very small audience capacity: We will have a maximum of 18 audience members per performance. -The wearing of Face Masks is required for all audience members. -All audience members will be spaced at least 6 feet apart while observing the performance (note: this does not apply to those buying tickets for a pair of people who will be standing/seated next to one another). -Attendees are asked to maintain socially-distanced 6 feet from patrons, performers, and tech personnel, with whom they do not attend the show. -All ticket holders will receive a message from HOLDTIGHT at least 24 hours before the show with a video to download that will be used as part of the show, as well as info on timed entry to ensure social distancing. -No beverages or food allowed. -There will not be public access to a restroom except under an emergency situation. -Free parking available in Church parking lot behind courtyard as well as street parking Please feel free to email us at gwendolyn@thisisnourishment.com with any further questions or concerns!
Audience Role
Audience will move locations within the courtyard when prompted and will have agency with what to observe.
Ages: 16 +
Minimal verbal discussion of sexual subject matter and images
Content Advisories
Interaction Advisories
Mobility Advisories
4
Events
6
Years on EI
About HOLDTIGHT Company
Founded in 2016 and led by founder Gwendolyn Gussman, HOLDTIGHT illuminates the intersection of art, environmental activism, psyche, and body through performance and education. HOLDTIGHT is an interdisciplinary performance art company creating and presenting experiential, interactive, and urgent contemporary works. A non-profit based between Denver and NYC, HOLDTIGHT's mission is to create transformative experiences which elicit questions, conversations, interconnection, and deep joy, supporting humanity toward healing and radical forward-thinking change. HOLDTIGHT has collaborated with over 55 acclaimed artists, including Grammy and Emmy-award winners, in genres such as dance, theater, music, scenography, video design, visual arts, sculpture, lighting, digital rendering, and the culinary arts. HOLDTIGHT pairs performance with participatory and immersive art to delve into the urgent topics of today such as climate change and the human psyche. The company’s repertoire includes site-specific work created for non-traditional performance spaces including an 1800’s carriage house, an armory, historic mansions and unconventional theaters. Since its founding, HOLDTIGHT has created and premiered ten evening-length immersive works, including the Nourishment series. HOLDTIGHT has been presented nationally at The Newman Center for the Performing Arts (CO), The Performing Arts Complex (CO), Museum of Contemporary Art/Presenting Denver (CO), The Cell Theatre (NYC), The Olympic Auditorium Complex (CO), Carroll Hall (NYC), Church Street School for Music and Art (NYC), and others. Awarded Artist Residencies include: Newman Center Presents Residency (2024), Denver Arts & Venues (2024), Carroll Hall (2023), The Cell Theatre (2020-2022). HOLDTIGHT maintains an initiative to foster conversations and community beyond performance experiences; HOLDTIGHT hosts quarter-annual Community Events and offers monthly open-level educational workshops in Denver, CO.