Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

Gods and Marionettes

A unique fusion of dance, music and theatre based on the great myths of Greek tragedy. Seven dancers, six singers and a single actor present a startling and epic investigation into the role of the gods in our lives and the influence of our passion and free will on our actions. The stunning movement of LACDC and the chilling vocals of ARORA (previously Sonos), combined with the wit of the narrator and contemporary vision of the directors, has produced a remarkable theatrical event unlike anything you have experienced before.

Choreographer: Kate Hutter
Premiere Date: 2010
Run Time: 56 minutes

Credits

Choreographer: Kate Hutter

LACDC Artists:

Genevieve Carson, Devin Fulton, Jamila Glass, Omar Olivas, Melissa Schade, Drea Sobke, Kevin Williamson, and Dominic Chaiduang

SONOS

Vocalists: Rachel Bearer, Jessica Freedman, Katharine Hoye, Ben McClain, and Paul Peglar

Guest Artists

Actors: Will Harris & Donald Webber, Jr.

Collaborators Include:

Music/Composer: Christopher Given Harrison
Original Arrangements of Bjork “Joga,” Bon Iver “Re: Stacks,” Depeche Mode “Blasphemous Rumors” & Local Natives “Sun Hands” by SONOS
Lyrics/Dramatic Text: David Bridel
Lighting Designer: Brian Gale
Costume Designer: Alexis De Forest
Set Construction and Supervision: Alicia Ziff

Trailer | Gods & Marionettes at USC | LA Contemporary Dance

Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

Gods and Marionettes | Photo by Eric Mason

After 20 years of artistic creation and community engagement, L.A. Contemporary Dance concludes its journey as an organization as of January 9, 2026.

Founded to showcase dance in Los Angeles, LACDC evolved into a home for collective artistry where performances were crafted by choreographers and dancers alongside playwrights, composers, designers, filmmakers, photographers, stage managers, technicians — an incredible team whose imaginative work gave shape and emotional depth to our repertory. These collaborations brought contemporary dance to life in ways that were bold, explorative, expressive, and accessible.

Through live events, digital experiences, and educational programming, LACDC cultivated environments rooted in curiosity, belonging, and learning without judgment. The organization consistently asked how contemporary dance might better reflect and serve the community around it, valuing discovery over mastery and process alongside performance.

This vision was made possible thanks to the creativity and leadership of our Artistic Directors, Executive Directors, Managing Directors, and Company Staff:

Artistic Leadership

Kate Hutter Mason — Artistic Director & Co-founder (2005–2015)
Genevieve Carson — Artistic Director (2016–2020)
Jamila Glass — Artistic Director (2021–2025)

Executive & Managing Leadership

Michelle Jolly — Executive Director & Co-founder (2005–2009)
Lauren Dragicevich — Managing Director (2009–2013)
Eva Angeloff — Managing Director (2013–2018)
Napoleon Gladney — Executive Director (2019–2025)

We are profoundly grateful to all who have left their fingerprints on the organization. This work would not have been possible without the support of our board members, donors, producers, presenters, community partners, volunteers, students, audiences, friends, and family — all who believed in this work. You made it possible.

While LACDC as an organization is closing, the values we cultivated continue forward through the relationships formed here and in all of you.

To anyone considering starting a company or pursuing a dream project — do it. Start now. Don’t wait for the opportunity; be the opportunity. We need your voice and creative work more than ever.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.

L.A. Contemporary Dance
(2005–2025)