About SLIPPAGE

PERFORMANCE |  CULTURE | TECHNOLOGY

SLIPPAGE is a think-tank, an interdisciplinary performance research group that explores connections between performance, history, theater, and emergent technology.

The Forefront of Innovative Thinking

Under the direction of professor Thomas F. DeFrantz, SLIPPAGE builds on the urgent need for intentional, critical, and timely interaction among artists, researchers, audiences, engineers, faculty, students, and general publics in the arts.

Located on the Evanston campus of Northwestern University, SLIPPAGE has a special imperative to organize cultural events that help us all imagine how creativity and expression operate at the core of artistry, humanity, technology, and social possibilities. SLIPPAGE produces conferences, symposia, workshops, and artist exchanges in events that mark social progress via research in performance. Recognized globally, SLIPPAGE remains at the forefront of innovative thinking.

A performer with a black hood, leans against a wall in a squat with their hands in the air while a projected image is displayed on the wall behind them.

Multidisciplined

Celebrating Excellence: Spotlight on the Vibrant World of Black Artists

Explore the rich tapestry of narratives woven by black artists and dancers, as their performances transcend boundaries and challenge conventional norms, offering a unique perspective that inspires and resonates with audiences globally.

person dancing on stage during Home Made Me

Performance

We pay attention to the stories of those who have worked in the shadows; those whose hushed whispers tell of survival against long odds.

Thomas DeFrantz sits on the floor.

Projects

Conferences, symposia, working groups, and research formations explore what can happen when we look beyond any mainstream of social interaction.

A excerpt of Calculating Black Joy

Publications

We support advanced research in experimental performance by its collaborators, often resulting in print and digital publication.

Collaborations

SLIPPAGE collaborates with leading artists drawn from a wealth of creative practices: polymedia artists, choreographers, performers, theorists, historians, directors, technologists. Highlights of the first seven years include a “Best of the New” award from the Boston Globe (2005); grants for new creation from the National Performance Network for Project Development and Touring; Collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas to develop wearable technologies for dance theater applications; and commissions from Gibney Dance (2020).

Embracing Diversity

SLIPPAGE embraces diversity of identity, practice, and methodology in each of its projects. We believe that we are the strongest group when we each bring particular skills to the table and to the stage. Our projects have engaged global audiences in productions and performances staged in India, France, Japan, South Africa; workshops in Botswana and Canada; and academic presentations in Australia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, South Africa, and Sweden. In all of this work, we intend to enlarge the way that creative communications and our global environment interact.

Every Voice Contributes to a Unique & Dynamic Creative Tapestry

Join our vibrant community where diverse artists unite, breaking boundaries and creating collaborations that transcend cultural richness. Immerse yourself in the power of inclusive artistry with SLIPPAGE.

Explore Our Knowledge Nexus

Black and white image a dancer wearing a mask in a dark outfit