“gymnastic feats in the context of accessible theatrical entertainment with charming costuming, lights and sound design…What sets Artichoke apart is its ability to convey character, emotions,
and relationships”
The Village Voice
Plastic People of the Universe
7 dancers, 60 minutes
Driving movement, poignant dialogue, whimsical video, innovative design and satire mesh to address the nature, exponential growth of, and hazards associated with polyethylene, the most common plastic in use today. Up to ten area dancers can be incorporated into several sections of this work, which can serve as half an evening in conjunction with sections of other repertory works, or a full stand alone concert.
“accomplished what so many organizations cannot: a consciousness of humanity’s impact that was tinged with purposeful optimism.”
COSTUMES: Olek
SET: Lynn Neuman (created from 3000 upcycled plastic 6-pack holders)
This work was made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC)., with additional support from the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts.
Your Planet: The Human Mapping Project
6 dancers, 40 minutes, Location-specific for shorelines
Designed for the unique surface of sand, this work is inspired by movement rituals, is accompanied by a drum circle playing instruments made from recycled objects, in which community members can participate, and ends in a ritual walk with the audience.
“the dancers called attention to the terrain and challenged the audience to look at the big picture - the environment.” The Columbia Spectator
This work was made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered in Kings County by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC),
Your Planet:
The Human Mapping Project
The Human Mapping Project
PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR TOURING
Recession Dances,
and so can you!
Recession Dances, and so can you!
6 dancers, 25 minutes
Escapism meets reality in Recession Dances, and so can you!, which draws from dance styles popular during previous U.S. 20th Century recession eras, such as the Lindy Hop (Great Depression) and Hustle (70’s oil crisis), refashioned with humor and irony.
”It has the power to grab you.” Eye on Dance.
FILM/VIDEO: Janusz Jaworski
If you see something...
4 dancers, 60 minutes, no intermission
If you see something, say something, is a slogan adopted by the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority in March 2003, reminding transit riders through signs and repeated announcements of their merely relative safety. Years later this tag line still runs strong. This stark work combines raw and brutal physicality with intimate video portraits and intense theatricality to expose human instinct in the face of fear. Ideally suited for thrust or surround settings that place the audience in close proximity to the stage.
“a politically charged production saturated with visual allegory and rich. provocative symbolism” ExploreDance.com
Premiere 2008 at Dixon Place, New York, NY
Listen to an interview with Director, Lynn Neuman, by Eva Yaa Asantewaa.
This Dixon Place Mondo Cane! Commission was made possible, in part, with generous support from The Peg Santwoord Foundation, Jerome Foundation and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
If you see something...
Plastic People of the Universe
Commuter Connection: A Rush Hour Romance
3 dancers, 6 minutes, up to 12 extra performers
Two commuters unexpectedly meet and fall in love, despite a multitude of obstacles, during the course of their morning commute. Community members and/or local performs appear in the work through one brief rehearsal.
Premiere: June 2003 at Danspace Project at St. Mark’s Church, New York, NY
Commuter Connection:
A Rush Hour Romance
LOCATION SPECIFIC PROGRAM
SITE ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS
PUBLIC
7 dancers, 60 minutes
A meeting time and place is announced and a downloadable playlist of music, delivered on iPods during the performance, is provided. Dances erupt from within and around the audience with staging adapted to each unique site.
“The interactive and often athletic work performed at dusk in and around a crowd of spectators transformed the lofty architectural Brooklyn landmark into an intimate stage for contemporary dance.” Sparked
Premiere: June 2011
Co-commissioned by the Brooklyn Arts Council and DUMBO Improvement District, made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Puffin Foundation.
PUBLIC
