TERRA: Bodies & Territories is a work of experimental dance theater by Silvana Cardell, set in a forest with a multi-generational ensemble of women and femme dancers ranging in age from 7-70. Performed within the forest of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, TERRA activates the land as a living laboratory and stage. This immersive, multi-sensory performance is laden in kinetic, theatrical, and sonic experiences of dance, sound and land-based visual art. 

Responding to the land’s sloping topography, the piece immerses audiences in an experience where bodies align with the land and human movement and nature merge to reveal our inextricable livelihood and empowerment. The performers will explore the natural setting, moving seamlessly among the trees and using props to create shelters and unveil imaginative landscapes collaboratively. 

The dancers are accompanied by a site-specific sound installation by composer Devin Arne, capturing the essence of the forested space at the Schuylkill Center by recording the sounds of plants actively moving and growing. Visual artist Sarah Kavage creates art installations and props from natural materials harvested from the land for the dancers to interact with. Costume Designer Vasi Zivanic creates costumes appropriate to the setting, that allow dancers to be protected and enhance movement. Theater director Blanka Zizka is dramaturge for TERRA, working in close collaboration with Silvana Cardell. 

Conceptually, TERRA confronts the patriarchal subjugation of marginalized bodies and natural spaces. TERRA’s performance narrative uplifts the ancestral role of women and femmes as environmental guardians. Women, femme, and gender non-conforming audience members will be invited to join the performers at the end of each performance, offering kinship and unity with the forest. 

TERRA will be performed outdoors at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education on June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22. Tickets are available to the public at SchuylkillCenter.org/Events. 

TERRA will be performed in a densely forested area adjacent to the Visitor Center. Audience members should dress for rough terrain and seating on wood logs. Accommodations can be provided for audience members with mobility impairments. Please contact info@schuylkillcenter.org to arrange for mobility accommodations. In case of severe weather, performances may be rescheduled. 

A gallery exhibition and 3-D experience will accompany TERRA in the Visitor Center of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. This companion exhibition will introduce visitors to the project’s concepts.

Link to tickets and bios https://schuylkillcenter.org/terra/

Major support for TERRA has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from the 2025 Creative Sector Flex Fund, a program by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.