In his newest work, Dark Horses/Fallen Shadows, Vlasic conceived and will direct a unique 48-hour, nonstop performance and sitespecific installation that draws inspiration from the current economic downturn and the dancehall-marathon rage of the 1930s. The title itself alludes to the 1935 Horace McCoy novel They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? that explores that extraordinary dance fad.

For Vlasic, the focus of his epic performance—slated to feature more than 30 dancers—is investigating a continual flow of motion and the meditative aspects derived from such focused duration. While the dancers perform dutifully through the dark hours of the night, the Salt Lake Art Center will remain open for the entirety of the 48-hour performance. Those in attendance can sit and watch or even join in for a spell; those with the most adventurous spirits visiting and/ or participating in the installation during the late night and early morning will also be treated to light hors d’oeuvres.

“The suffering and exhaustion of the contestants to find fame and money was burned in my mind,” Vlasic says. “How little things have changed as we sit and watch our televisions in yet another global economic meltdown, watching people compete for money and fame in reality entertainment for the masses.” 

Gary Vlasic: Dark Horses/Fallen Shadows @ Salt Lake Art Center, 20 S. West Temple, 801-328-4201, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.-Sept. 26, 6 p.m., free. SLArtCenter.org