Zaccho Dance Theatre
Feb. 20-29, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

THINK ABOUT IT : we walk on the shoulders of our ancestors in more ways than one. If you've ever stood awestruck in front of ancient Mayan, Roman, or Chinese ruins unearthed by archaeologists, you've gotten a sense of those who came before us. A similar experience can be had by walking into an old barn or an abandoned church, where the smell of hay or incense still recalls the building's original occupants. Zaccho Dance Theatre choreographer-dancer Joanna Haigood is something of an archaeologist herself, bringing the history of Fort Point and Theater Artaud alive through her explorations. In Ghost Architecture, she looks at the foundation of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The performance center was much needed and is much appreciated, but its construction carried a high price, and not just in terms of dollars – there was a human cost. With the help of sculptor and set designer Wayne Campbell, Haigood brings back to life the footprints of what once was. Zaccho's five dancers take turns traveling Yerba Buena Center's human and architectural layers; their voyage is illuminated by Jack Carpenter's lighting design and accompanied by Gregory Kuhn's musical score. Previews Fri/20, runs Sat/21-Sun/22, Feb. 24-29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (continuous performance), 701 Mission, S.F. $10 suggested donation. (415) 978-ARTS, www.yerbabuenaarts.org. (Rita Felciano)