Fresh Perspective on Classic Works in Dance This Spring
If you're looking for a new take on old work, three dance shows in New York this spring may have just the right amount of fresh perspective.
[To hear the full interview with WNYC's dance critic Marina Harss, click on "Listen" above.]
At the Joyce Theater, South African choreographer Dada Masilo rethinks the ballet "Giselle," setting the story in rural South Africa and bringing a new score by South African composer Phillip Miller. Masilo has done work before mixing Western and African dance, most notably in her bold reinterpretation of "Swan Lake."
"Giselle" at the Joyce Theatre, 175 Eighth Ave. Opening April 3, 2018.
Uptown at New York City Center, Dance Theatre of Harlem will perform a revival of "Dougla" — the famous work by legendary choreographer and director Geoffrey Holder — as part of its opening night "Vision Gala" which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on April 4, 2018. The company will also perform several New York premieres and several other ballets through Sunday.
"Dougla" and other works, performed by Dance Theatre of Harlem at New York City City Center through April 7, 2018.
("Dougla" - Dance Theatre of Harlem from The Gallery Dance Collective on Vimeo.)
And a very different kind of dance will take place in a five-foot tank of water at HERE where puppeteer Basil Twist will bring back his fanciful interpretation of Hector Berlioz’s "Symphonie Fantastique." In the show, colorful pieces of fabrics, vinyl, cloth, feathers and more dance and swim to the 1830 piece. But unlike 20 years ago when Twist first performed this work, there will be live music: Pianist Christopher O'Riley will perform a piano transcription of Berlioz's work written by Franz Liszt.
"Symphonie Fantastique" at HERE, 145 Sixth Ave. through June 17, 2018.
