Brendan Fernandes animates a century-old Chicago auditorium through dance

Brendan Fernandes, an artist based in Chicago known for his visual and performance work, has launched a collaborative dance project called 'Score for the Murphy Auditorium.' This piece is part of his ongoing exhibition 'In the Round' at the Driehaus Museum, which will be open until November 14. The Murphy Auditorium, built in 1926 for the American College of Surgeons and acquired by the museum in 2022, underwent renovations in 2023 and received landmark status in 2024. Seven dancers perform around a unique 12-sided mirrored bench from AIM Architecture, showcasing various group dynamics. The project incorporates textiles from the Fabric Workshop and Museum and includes a sound installation by Alex Inglizian. Fernandes has planned performances for May, September, October, and November, engaging Chicago's dance scene. Curator Stephanie Cristello describes it as a duet between Fernandes and the auditorium, while executive director Lisa M. Key sees it as a blend of Gilded Age style and contemporary art.