The Hidden River Project

Sat., Aug. 25, 5 and 7 p.m., starts at top of steps at 24th and Walnut (across from Sweat gym)

by Deni Kasrel

dance

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Performing artists are often keen to describe a work as "a journey," in the figurative sense, though when Anne-Marie says this about The Hidden River Project, she means it for real. During the course of this adventurous event, the audience walks up and down a flight of steps, traverses a tunnel and gambols through other areas that Mulgrew has situated varied vignettes where performers "are trying to feel what the site is saying ... it's the human form interacting with the architecture of the space." The cast includes Mulgrew's recurring crew of Umbrella ladies as well as a spoken-wordsmith, videographer and guitarist. That's what's planned — during rehearsals, joggers, bikers, dog walkers, families and even a train crossed their paths, so surprise appearances are likely in store. The idea, says Mulgrew, "is to explore our natural resources and to try get people to make observations about a space that they may never have noticed before. ... And also, to bring more awareness to this area. It's really beautiful. I feel like I've been on vacation working on this piece."

Sat., Aug. 25, 5 and 7 p.m., starts at top of steps at 24th and Walnut (across from Sweat gym), free, 215-462-7720, www.annemariemulgrewdancersco.org.