Sometimes even NYC can feel like a small town
This past week I was in NYC for the annual Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference, which attracted nearly 4,000 from all U.S. states and 39 countries. In such a large crowd, in such a busy city, it might seem odd to assert that NYC could have a small-town feel. However, I had just such a “what a small world moment” at the showcase for choreographer, Aszure Barton.
As you may recall from previous blog entries, I am an avid follower of Aszure’s work. She was represented here last season on the Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal program. Since then she has been commissioned by the National Ballet of Canada and American Ballet Theater and been in residence at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, Jacob’s Pillow Festival and The Banff Center. Assembled like sardines in one of the City Center studios, the packed room anticipated her showcase. As the lights dimmed, Aszure came out and introduced the program noting that all three pieces were set to music by a young Russian-born composer, who happened to be standing directly behind me with his infant son and wife. The first two pieces came and went in signature Aszure style – smart, quirky, multi-layered. As the third work started I immediately recognized the music; in fact, I found myself almost humming along. As soon as it was over I quickly turned to the composer and confirmed that the last piece was indeed his. Yes, he replied. Then I asked: did Brooklyn Rider record and perform it? YES! again. I shared with him my excitement at meeting him as we have Brooklyn Rider coming to Ovations next month. The sharing garnered me an introduction to their son, Benji, an incredibly well-behaved little guy. I imagine he sees a lot of performances. That was my small town moment in the middle of the bustling Big Apple….
Also on my dance card was seeing highly respected Doug Varone and Dancers in a work-in-progress showing of Chapters from a Broken Novel. The new piece draws from Doug’s collection of overheard conversation snippets, lines from films and popular music. I am thrilled to share that Portland Ovations is a commissioning partner of this new work along with fellow Maine dance presenter, Bates Dance Festival (BDF). This is a unique year-long collaboration. Doug and his dancers will be in residence at BDF this summer, developing the new work, teaching and performing. Ovations dance patrons will be invited to get a special inside look at the creative process and meet the artists. Stay tuned for details. Next season (February 2011) Doug Varone and Dancers will return to Maine to present the new work as part of our season, again in collaboration with BDF. The early sketches I saw revealed an intelligent, personal work that resonated deeply—told through big dance and nuanced drama. Speaking of Bates Dance Festival (BDF), I also was able to see for the first time Monica Barnes Company, whom BDF is bringing this summer. She is a must see of lovers of contemporary dance and/or theater.
Finally, one last dance note. I was also able to take in the work of Alison Chase. Alison is one of the founding members of Pilobolus, now a resident of Maine and a Maine Arts Commission Performing Arts Fellow. She has recently created a new Maine-based company, Apogee Arts. Great things are expected.
Other highlights from my trip include the Under the Radar Festival dedicated to emerging experimental theater at which I attended several performances and an amazing session on puppet theater (one of my personal passions) featuring leaders in the artform: Dan Hurlin, Roman Paska, Basil Twist and Christopher Williams, moderated by Cheryl Henson. Yes, that Henson, her father was Jim Henson. The family produced for several years the world-renounded Henson International Festival of Puppet Theater. On Broadway I caught FELA! a show of such energy and amazing music that sitting still was not an option.
I also heard some fantastic music, much of which I hope will appear next year on the 2010-11 Portland Ovations season. Too early to give away too much more here. Again, stay tuned…
Other than missing last Saturday’s Chris Botti concert, which I hear was one of our best yet, it was an excellent time in the city.
