The seventh entry into my Seclusion Smörgåsbord series features dance and a funeral. While a death entertainment may sound like a bad idea during this pandemic, this one is a comedy of sorts. If you might want to stage your own memorial service, this also may provide some inspiration.
Wooden (HERE Arts Center)
This Laura Peterson dance was filmed on November 12, 2011. In Wooden, nature (and possibly evolution) is invoked. The first part is “Ground” which is followed by “Trees.” Sometimes when I watch dance, the movement and storytelling becomes impenetrable. Both of these pieces contained memorable visuals and striking movements. Bodies on the ground barely moving. Lights go off. The bodies are in another location when the lights go back on. I felt as if I were watching the rise of animate forms from Earth’s history.
Trees began more straightforwardly. The dancers were symbolic. Their limbs were branches, erratically changing positions. The lighting design and shadow work was exceptionally additive to the environment. Dissonant sounds like computerized rhythmic noises accompanied this dance. Near the end of this one there was some very energetic unison choreography. The meaning escaped me but it was likely challenging to dance. Both pieces were a bit repetitive for my tastes and I found myself losing interest.
HERE Arts Center’s Facebook watch parties are on Wednesday nights. Next week: “In Nick Lehane’s Chimpanzee, an aging, isolated chimpanzee pieces together the fragments of her childhood in a human family. Bleak reality bleeds to vivid memory in this physically expressive puppet play. Inspired by true events.”
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Allegro Brillante (New York City Ballet)
In replacement of its spring season, the New York City Ballet is streaming some of its classic performances over the next six weeks. Tuesdays will feature ballets from its founders, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. On Fridays, they will showcase contemporary works. Each video will run for 72 hours on their homepage, Facebook or You Tube. Allegro Brillante premiered on March 1, 1956 and this specific performance was taped on January 18, 2017.
Of this ballet, Mr. Balanchine said this particular piece showed “everything I know about classical ballet in thirteen minutes.” This is crowd pleasing ballet with choreography that beautifully embraces the music of Tschaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Lead dancers Tiler Peck and Andrew Veyette along with four couples swell with the flourishes, flow with the softer sections and leap with when the music demands. This short highly entertaining work is definitely something to try if you want to experience a taste of classical ballet.
Justin Peck’s world premiere Rotunda from this past February is this weekend’s free streaming dance from the New York City Ballet.
Wild and Precious Life (Playing On Air)
Sheila (Debra Monk) has passed away. Apparently she was a wild spirit filled with life. This fifteen minute play begins at her memorial service. A close friend is reading the recently departed’s favorite poem which has to do with the title of this comedy. First, however, there are some tears. The Reverend Sandy takes over and reads an unopened letter from Sheila to her friends. She has an instruction from the great beyond which results in mourners getting into a fight filled with ridiculous revelations.
There is another message from the beyond and a very thought provoking monologue at the end. How should one lead their life while they have the chance? A character considers their admiration for the magical Sheila and what she represents. The six member cast was directed by Michele O’Brien and features original music from San Francisco’s Misner & Smith. This taping is a quick and breezy entertainment with an agreeable dosage of heft at its conclusion. A ten minute Q&A follows the performance.
Wild and Precious Life can be found on Playing on Air’s website. Past shows are also available on iTunes.