'Time Machine' of thrills

Aug 10, 2023

You might not want to try it at home. Brooklyn native Cassandre Joseph stands still as a giant plywood board appears to be crashing down onto her head. Thankfully, there is a square piece of the board cut out, so the rest of the board misses her body.

Performing feats like this to keep audiences at the edge of their seats is just another day at the office for Joseph.

“How can we surprise people?" Joseph asked. "How can we bring to the table something they have never seen before?"

Joseph has been with the STREB Extreme Action Company for 16 years, and is now co-artistic director.

The company was founded by choreographer Elizabeth Streb, back in its Williamsburg home for spring with a show called “Time Machine."

It’s a look back at more than 40 years of Streb pushing the limits of dance with her pop action technique.

Jackie Carlson has been with the company for 15 years, and says despite the physical demands of the routines, her body is even stronger than when she started.

“We are trying to figure out how we can stay in the air as long as possible, so we have all different kinds of equipment that help us to do that,” Carlson said.

Joseph says they draw on extreme action disciplines like gymnastics, circus, acrobatics, even rodeo and boxing. Joseph continues to relish the role of action hero and performing in front of the home crowd.

“Once I tried STREB, I got bit by that bug, and I was obsessed and I’ve been obsessed ever since,” Joseph said.

The spring season runs through May 21. Head to the company's website for ticket information.