Festival melds technology, arts

The annual Festival of Interarts and Technology will showcase a wide range of visual, multimedia and performing works by student artists.

The free public event is Saturday, May 4, 6-10 p.m., Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave.

Interarts and Technology students in the UW-Dance Program produce the show. Alison Rootberg, a double major in dance and IATECH, is coordinating the event.

“I think people will enjoy seeing the interesting, innovative works – things that don’t fit into the traditional framework of dance concerts, gallery exhibitions or film festivals – presented in this year’s event,” Rootberg says.

From 6-8 p.m., attendees may browse galleries and view installations including computer-generated artwork and video showings.

Included among the works are Rootberg’s installation portraying the image of dancers in society; a work by Craig Burk that manipulates textural footage to create a piece of architecture; and an installation by Cassie Thornton depicting thickly sadistic patriotism.

Live performances and multimedia works will be presented at 8 p.m. in Lathrop Hall’s Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space.

Among pieces being presented include Eli Wieczorek’s video commentary on drug usage told as a fairy tale and an animation by Nick Carvin, featuring several surreal organic forms moving through space set to electronic music. Also, the Dance 560 seminar collaborated on a multimedia performance expressing the personal concerns of each performer.

Following the performance, a reception is planned in the Virginia F. Harrison Parlor.

For more information, call (608) 262-1691.