Duckler’s ‘The Groundskeepers’ in historic Boyle Heights

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This kind of guided-tour mischief is something at which Duckler has grown truly expert. It’s a lot of fun for the audience, and Duckler, a junior Cecil B. DeMille, hews to the big picture, devilishly keeping everyone and everything in motion.

Built in 1904 (that’s waaaay back by L.A. standards), this unique building symbolizes the past, present, and future of East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. Initially a place of healing for railroad workers, the hospital has changed management multiple times and most recently, like much of L.A.’s neglected but unique period architecture stock, it’s been used as a film location. It’s unclear where Hollywood ends and the original hospital begins, therefore the identity of the building has evolved to reflect its inhabitants. Linda Vista Hospital will soon be repurposed as affordable housing for local residents.

Duckler’s creative team: choreography/direction Heidi Duckler, scenario, George Moreno; performance: Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre; music: Lu Kunene; media artist/designer: Refik Anadol, lighting design: Grant Dunn; graphic design: Andrew Byrom. It must be fun, and you can hang in the ‘hood after the show …

_{Dance company photos: courtesy Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre, credit: Andrei Andreev}

The Groundskeepers | Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre | Linda Vista Hospital, Boyle Heights | November 7, 8, 9 | info here

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