Witches generate power, or energy, with their bodies as they move and chant within a ritual circle in the form of a cone. This is known as the Cone of Power. The energy from this cone can be directed to cause change—in other words, to work magic.

Cone of Power is a dance film created during the last hours of Witch Hunt (2021), an international group exhibition organized by the Hammer Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA). Beginning in a circle inspired by the Skyclad ritual, dancers slowly splinter out to interact with artist Lara Schnitger’s sculptural installation, Warts and All (2021). Dancers crawl and weave through the sculptures, whispering slogans, brandishing flags, and reciting chants. A single light bulb hangs in the center of the space, signaling a twilight time between the magic and the real—a witching hour. Ritualistic movement, incantation, and shadow play immerse the viewer in a nether world of mystery, magic, and transformation.

Choreographer Kitty McNamee takes inspiration from Schnitger’s distinctive sculptural concepts, blurring the line between live dancers and dancing sculptures. Sound by folk/punk musician Cathy Cooper used text pulled from the sculptures to compose an intimate and eerie soundscape. Dancers Augustine, Kat Chang, Kenzie McClure, Maija Knapp, and Raymond Ejiofor represent the North, South, East, and West of our rich global community. They converge to deliver a kinetic ritual of hope and protection.