Learning to “EXIIST” in the Present
L.A. based creative group, EPIIC, returns to Pamplona 89 with a message to modern society
Words by Alexis Cruz, Photos by Jordan Sotero/@ soterojordan
On Friday, Jun. 1st, the EPIIC Movement group made a bold statement about experiencing life without technology and embracing the present in their “EXIIST” performance show.
The show was split into five acts/stories with each revolving around different types of love, such as familial and romantic love. However, what connected these stories together was technology and its effect on not only relationships but on people as a whole.
As audience members were ushered to their seats, curiosity gleamed in their eyes. Performers dressed in all black sat on tables in the hallway, while women in white sat in the corners of the floor space. They were already in character, either acting within their own space or interacting with the audience. Colored lights also seemed to be strategically placed to add depth to both the space and performance ahead.
The ambient music that played while people took their seats suddenly came to a stop. There was a still silence before frontrunner, Friidom, stood up from the crowd and introduced the show with an interpretive dance. He often gestured to one of the lights hanging from the roof, perhaps to represent how technology looms over us.
During this time, the women in white slowly made their way to the center of the space and danced around Friidom — this was a recurring action throughout the show, as they added an emotional depth to each of the acts, usually to the character who was going through emotional turmoil.
Another recurring action/character was a group of dancers from the first story, who grew in numbers with each act. They significantly outnumbered the women in white and wore all black to contrast them visually. This group represented the rising action, which was emphasized by ad libs and the performance music.
As the show went on, the stories got more and more intense. They were filled with drama, grief, and even death, which made the show much more theatrical than strictly movement based.
Despite the somber mood, the ending monologue done by Friidom, and the ensemble dance cypher spread good vibes. “Perhaps existence is not yet defined,” said Friidom in regards to the themes of the stories/acts that the audience had witnessed.
Overall, “EXIIST” was an impactful show that commented on how we lose sight on what is, both literally and figuratively, right in front of us. This message was especially prominent during the intermission performances by guest dancers Jasmine Rafael, Andrew Perez, and Boogie Frantick.
Audience members were confused on whether they could leave their seats or actively watch the guests’ performance. Nevertheless, the two brought in a great change of pace for the show with the flow of their movement against a magnificent musical score.
The combination of different dance styles and theatrical performances is what truly makes the EPIIC Movement group unique. The founder of the group, Friidom, is never afraid to think outside of the box. It is for that reason that his EPIIC group is something to keep an eye on.
Be sure to follow all their social media handles to keep up to date with their activities.
- Instagram: @thefriidom / @epiicmovement
- Website: https://thefriidom.com/
