Tickets are on sale for In Conversation with Merce: New RainForest(s) in New York City at Baryshnikov Arts, November 19-21. This program is part of a long line of experiments where contemporary artists create new work in response to Merce’s legacy. These “conversations” allow Merce’s repertory to be experienced from the inside, examined on the outside, and creatively re-envisioned. New RainForest(s) will feature a redesigned version of Cunningham’s RainForest (1968) alongside premieres from choreographers Claude “CJ” Johnson, Chaery Moon, Chalvar Monteiro, and video artist Alex Munro. Get tickets and read more about the artists here.
Another ongoing In Conversation performance program to highlight is Dance On Ensemble’s A re-imagining of Story staged by Daniel Squire (MCDC 1998-2009). Although aspects of Story (1963) remain unknown, Dance On Ensemble has kept the spirit of this dance alive since 2019.
Read on for more ways to engage with Cunningham’s work.
-Rashaun Mitchell, Director
Jasper Johns: Night Driver
Guggenheim Museum
– : Bilbao, Spain
The New Vision: Monet and the Contemporary Gaze
Excerpts from Summerspace (1958), included in Alla Kovgan’s film Cunningham, will be shown as part of the exhibit. Staged by Jennifer Goggans (MCDC 2000–2011).
– : Hakone, Japan
Quartet Workshop Public Showing
Quartet (1977), staged by Brandon Collwes (MCDC 2006–2011) with Carol Teitelbaum (MCDC 1986–1993).
: Brooklyn, New York
Performance Art: Film Festival Exploring Body and Space
Alla Kovgan’s film Cunningham will be shown as part of the festival. Choreography staged by Jennifer Goggans (MCDC 2000–2011).
: Tokyo, Japan
Fabrications Workshop Public Showing
Fabrications (1987), staged by Patricia Lent (MCDC 1984–1993).
: New York, New York
Dancing with Bob: Rauschenberg, Brown & Cunningham Onstage
Trisha Brown Dance Company performs Travelogue (1977), staged by Marcie Munnerlyn (MCDC 2004–2011) and Andrea Weber (MCDC 2004–2011).
: Chicago, Illinois
In Conversation with Merce: New Rainforest(s)
RainForest (1968), staged by Andrea Weber (MCDC 2004–2011), Rashaun Mitchell (MCDC 2004–2011), and Jennifer Goggans (MCDC 2000–2011).
– : New York, New York