By Steve Sucato

What better way for Attack Theatre to kick off its year-long community dance project Remainder/Northside than with a free, family-friendly community day at the New Hazlett Theater? On Sun., June 22, the Pittsburgh-based, internationally touring troupe will launch the project and entertain audiences as only Attack Theatre can, with interactive movement activities, mini-performances, and games including life-size chess, Four-Square and Bag Attack Boogaloo. “We have had a longstanding relationship with the North Side, performing at the New Hazlett, The Andy Warhol Museum, the Children’s Museum, and teaching in its schools,” says Attack managing artistic director Michele de la Reza. “We wondered what it would be like to cultivate a more personal relationship with the residents of its 17 neighborhoods, listening to their stories and creating a work around those experiences.” The project builds on prior Attack Theatre community programs, such as Some Assembly Required and improvised performances at the Carnegie Museum of Art’s 2008 Carnegie International. “We are not looking to create a dance documentary of the North Side,” says de la Reza. “We are more interested in creating passionate portrayals of everyday life.” Two work-in-progress showings, in November and in February, preface the project’s final performance at the New Hazlett, next June. 

 Noon, Sun., June 22. 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. Free. 412-320-4610 or www.attacktheatre.com

This article originally appeared in Pittsburgh City Paper June 18, 2014. Copyright Steve Sucato.