Meet Mamie Green | Choreographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mamie Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mamie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Volta during the height of the pandemic with the desire to create interdisciplinary and immersive performances. By taking contemporary dance outside of a theatre and asking audiences to directly engage with the work, we are able to create experiences that are accessible to different kinds of audiences.

I’m interested in reimagining contemporary dance performance in a way that I hope resonates with audiences. I get inspired by collaborating with other artists and creating a shared world. Through Volta, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with dancers, poets, writers, scent artists, musicians, actors, chefs, and a sculptor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I draw from and am inspired by psychoanalysis, Greek mythology, misunderstood characters in literature and film, podcasts, Romantic-era composers, Maggie Nelson, my artists friends, a molding piece of fruit.

I am intrigued by contradictions, dissonance, the juxtaposition of beauty with something slightly sinister beneath the surface.

I am proud that we toured our performance SALT internationally to Cyprus and London this past October 2023.

I am excited to be collaborating with multidisciplinary artist and sculptor Gbenga Komolafe on our newest work, “Glass House” produced by Central Server Works to be performed during Freize Week LA (February 29th – March 3rd).

It hasn’t always been easy, but sharing our work with audiences is a true gift. When the setbacks feel overwhelming, getting clear on why I am doing this work grounds me. I am grateful to mentors who have advised me, friends who have believed in me, and audiences who have come to see and share their thoughts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start our days with walks in the Arroyo Seco and say hi to the horses at the San Pascual Stables, followed by lunch at Amara Kitchen in Highland Park. We could go hangout at Stories Books & Cafe in Echo Park. If we’re lucky, maybe there will be a Casual Encountersz or Factory Made LA Reading going on later or something at Poetic Research Bureau or Central Server Works. Meet up with friends at El Prado afterwards 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have supported me throughout my process with Volta. My practice is deeply influenced by other artists in my life who I trust, respect, and admire. Some of these include Max Maslansky, Sammy Loren, Joshua Oduga, and Corrie Siegel to name just a few.

Volta has developed and grown in relationship to other artistic scenes in Los Angeles such as Casual Encountersz run by Sammy Loren and Factory Made LA run by Jasmine Johnson. Many of the artists I’ve collaborated with have been friends made through these communities.

Website: voltacollective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volta_collective/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoltaCollective

Other: online portfolio: https://www.voltacollective.com/work press: https://www.voltacollective.com/press

Image Credits
Anya GTA Anna Tse Katy Shayne