Dana Lawton’s Carmina Burana Returns to Grace Cathedral

With the cathedral's storied stained glass windows filtering the west coast afternoon sun for a "lighting-by-god" dramatic effect, nine dancers take to the labyrinth floor to explore the themes of fate, love, and the human condition.

"Fate is often dealing us cards we would rather not play, but have little choice. So, as a choreographer I have a lot to work with, especially in that particular space, which is so remarkable." — Dana Lawton

Carmina Burana is one of the most recognizable scores ever written, and Dana Lawton Dances brings it to life in one of San Francisco's most remarkable spaces. Nine dancers move through the nave and labyrinth of Grace Cathedral, accompanied by Carl Orff's iconic score, in a performance that is intimate, physical, and unlike anything on a conventional stage.

The work explores the full emotional range of Orff's composition, from the drama of "O Fortuna" to moments of tenderness, humor, and desire. The themes are timeless: fate, resilience, love, and what it means to be alive. Performed inside Grace Cathedral, with afternoon light streaming through the stained glass, the space itself becomes part of the work.