photo: Tracy Baynes
If you’ve made Tucson your home for a good spell, you’ve likely caught a thrilling fire-spinning act or two by Flam Chen, our resident pyrotechnic theatre troupe, or boogied to the music of Afro-Brazilian percussion performance group Batucaxé at one of their many shows. Have you ever wondered where these acts, with their dozens of members and immense amount of equipment, find the space to plan and rehearse their elaborate productions? They’re able to spread out and choreograph to their hearts’ content at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory, alongside Ecstatic Dance, Saguaro Aikido and others.
Speaking with Karen Falkenstrom, member of Odaiko Sonora and informal administrator of Rhythm Industry, gives one a sense of her passion for art and art makers. She describes the collective nature of Rhythm Industry in a loving voice, and thinks of the space as an “incubator” for the creative generation of art forms and an “engine for community service,” seeing as its participating groups touch thousands upon thousands of audience members each year.
Falkenstrom moved Rhythm Industry into its current home at 1013 S. Tyndall Ave. in October of 2006. By investing in the building, she aimed to provide affordable space for artists in need of large amounts of square footage. In the industrial area south of Barrio Brewing Co. and 17th Street Farmers Market, she found a place where artists could make “an amazing amount of noise” without bothering neighbors. Rhythm Industry isn’t just a collection of renters; Falkenstrom considers each of the groups involved to be both caretakers and possessors of the studio.
The physical layout of Rhythm Industry is unique. With a 1,500 square foot sprung-wood dance floor to make use of, dynamic dance and elaborate art come to life. It’s the emotional connection between the artists here that impresses, though. Together they’ve created a sum far greater than their parts, an entity that nourishes and inspires them to excellence.
When not spearheading events like The Water Project: Tucson’s Synergistic Water Festival, tenant Jodi Netzer teaches movement and theatre workshops at the space and calls it a “hub of activity” and a “great community of people.” The Water Project, couldn’t happen without Rhythm Industry, where Netzer is currently rehearsing a dance theatre and puppetry piece for the festival.
Other projects currently simmering and reaching fruition at Rhythm Industry include the narrative dance of Thom Lewis, who puts together two concerts a year; Theatrical Mime Theatre’s efforts, based on the work of Etienne Decroux; and the improvisations of Movement Salon, for whom spontaneity is paramount.
The performance factory welcomes the public to its quarterly Rhythm Industry Review on Saturday, March 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. By opening their doors for interested parties to see how performance art is manufactured, Rhythm Industry’s artists hope to support their space; 90% of proceeds from the suggested $10 to $15 donation cover charge will be reinvested in the project. With light refreshments, door prizes, guest artists and previews of works in progress, it’s an event not to be missed. Expect unpredictable outpourings of artistic energies! Check out RhythmIndustry.org for more details.
