A Glimpse into the World of Narcissus at New York Live Arts Work In Progress
Company:
New York Live Arts / choreographer Christopher Williams / visual designer Andrew Jordan
Having begun their artistic journey together with the acclaimed epic work The Golden Legend in 2009 (when the New York Live Arts space was Dance Theater Workshop), choreographer Christopher Williams and visual designer Andrew Jordan have now been working together for over a decade to create unique performance worlds featuring intricate choreography enhanced by an array of fantastical visual designs.
Set to Nikolai Tcherepnin’s 1911 score Narcisse et Echo written for the Ballets Russes, their latest work, Narcissus, reappropriates themes of the eponymous Greek myth on which it is based to re-envision the original ballet through a contemporary queer lens. Intended as a supplement to the work, this lobby activation event will include both projected video and live tableau vivant to offer audiences a glimpse into the mythopoetic world the collaborators are envisioning for the work’s forthcoming première.
Visible from just outside the lobby, the video projection will feature Jordan’s hand-painted drawings of characters appearing in the developing work along with his rotoscoped animations of Williams’ choreography digitally rendered via individual drawings of each video frame. The event will also include a live socially distanced performance of excerpted choreography from the work modified for the lobby space, performed by Cemiyon Barber and Logan Pedon.
This 10 minute lobby activation is open to the public to view in person from the sidewalk through our lobby windows. First come, first serve – masks and social distancing required. There is no need to RSVP here if you wish to go that route. If you prefer to view the event at home during one of the two livestreams, please select “Buy” for the time of your choice. The streaming link will be sent via email the day prior to the event.
Following the second performance, Williams and Jordan’s 5 min film will play on loop for passersby to view from the sidewalk until 10pm.
