Immerse Yourself in House Party
by Kiearra Williams
This is an editorial response written by a KST staff member on House Party.
It is always intriguing to reflect on an event once it is over because it is quite easy to get tangled in the small details during the planning process. Recently I joined KST as the Marketing Coordinator and had the amazing opportunity to experience House Party for the first time. Hearing talks of a floating stage, and an immersive experience does not compare to seeing the final product the day of the production. It was quite liberating to see the hard work of all of the KST staff members align together to present House Party to the community.
House Party is KST’s annual summer benefit. Our goal was to showcase an immersive neon-noir cabaret experience with captivating performances. This past Saturday night, we ushered livelihood and community to Penn Ave. Once attendees walked through the pink-lit entrance, they were greeted by an alluring media design from Scott Andrew. Guests also had the opportunity to grab some new temporary ink from Zhen Lee. The pre-show experience would not be complete without grabbing a House Party-themed cocktail from the bar before moving into the theater for highly anticipated performances from some of Pittsburgh’s hottest artists.
KST’s stage was completely transformed from its usual setup. VIP Reception guests gathered onstage to mingle and converse with other art-loving individuals while enjoying hors d’oeuvres from Royal Caribbean. There was a platform placed in the middle of what would normally be audience seating to prepare attendees for an enchanting excursion of live performances. A luminescence chandelier hung from the ceiling, and dramatic anticipation could be felt in the air as the VIP Reception was set to begin.
Blue light illuminated the darkened theater as multidisciplinary artist Clara Kent ascended to the stage for her performance. Clara is known to uplift creative communities and for her raw and vulnerable artistry. Clara performed songs from her EP THE FOUR WINDS: EAST. With a voice that left you on the edge of your seat wanting more, and enough charisma to light up the entire East End, Clara executed a transcendental occurrence. Kent concluded her performance with a powerful rendition of her song THE JUICE. THE JUICE demonstrated Clara’s vocal brilliance by utilizing angelic notes to invoke a raw and emotional experience for the audience.
Mystery and wonder cloaked choreographer Jesse Factor as he took the audience on a trip into the world of Diva’s Delight. Factor was trained at the Martha Graham School and danced with Graham II and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Jesse’s movements could be described as exotic and purposeful, as his limbs moved sharply to tell a story that fascinated the audience. Factor could be seen traveling around the stage, paying homage to the likes of Martha Graham + Madonna. Curiosity and wonder increased among audience members once Jesse uncloaked to reveal a glimmering nude thong as he continued to twirl. The intensity and transformative energy lingered in the air, along with admiration for the next chapter in Jesse’s journey.
The dirty down dance party filled the lobby with joy and entertainment as DJs QRX and ROJO brought the fire. Dance party guests got to enjoy a sense of nostalgia for the 90s and the 2000s as the sounds of Nelly, and TLC graced the airwaves. Tunes kept the moves going until the clock struck midnight.
As attendees left the front doors of KST and traveled back into the night air of East Liberty, holding their custom-made KST tote bags they left with feelings of admiration, new relationships, and hope for Pittsburgh’s arts community. House Party created an exceptional atmosphere that reminded guests of the foundation of Kelly Strayhorn Theater and guided them to look to the future of what Kelly Strayhorn Theater can become.
Attending House Party left me feeling deeply fulfilled and exhilarated. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that has such a profound impact on the arts community.
Photo Credit: Randall Coleman and Matt Huggins