Richard Move to premiere "Herstory of the Universe@Governors Island", October 9 and 16, 2021
Company:
The Trust for Governors Island + Richard Move
The Trust for Governors Island Announces “Herstory of the Universe@Governors Island,” an Immersive Dance Performance from Choreographer Richard Move
The first ever performance work commissioned by the Trust will feature six site-specific dance performances embedded in the stunning landscapes of the Island on October 9 & 16, 2021
July 26, 2021 – The Trust for Governors Island announced today the world premiere of Herstory of the Universe@Governors Island by Richard Move and MoveOpolis!Taking place on Saturday, October 9, and Saturday, October 16, 2021, and consisting of a series of six site-specific dance performances, Herstory of the Universe will lead visitors on a journey across the iconic public space—from the ancient trees of Nolan Park to the secluded lawns of Hammock Grove and the dramatic topography of the Hills.
Herstory of the Universe@Governors Island is conceived, directed, and choreographed by Move and is the first performance work commissioned by the Trust for Governors Island. Each of the six performances will be inspired by and in conversation with its unique site on Governors Island, including the ecosystems, architectures, materials and species that dwell within. From the abstract to the fantastical, the work will embody various biological and natural processes in a kind of biomimicry—telling the stories of Governors Island through a series of kinetic, strikingly costumed dance installations.
“We are honored to premiere this exciting piece from Richard Move and continue our dedication to bringing deeply engaging, free public art and culture to Governors Island,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “Each season our visitors are inspired by the collection of dynamic art that exists in dialogue with the space, and this new work further enhances our bold vision and commitment to creating immersive and site-responsive projects for all New Yorkers.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Richard Move for our first performance-based public art commission on Governors Island. Arts and culture programs continue to grow with each new season, and we feel particularly lucky to be able to present this project at such a critical time,” said Meredith Johnson, VP of Arts and Culture at the Trust for Governors Island. “This new dance piece will marry movement with place and invite our community of visitors to interact with the Island in completely new ways.”
Herstory of the Universe will be performed by a diverse cast of seven female dance artists including Robyn Cascio, Megumi Eda, Lisa Giobbi, Celeste Hastings, PeiJu Chien-Pott, Natasha M. Diamond-Walker, and Gabrielle Willis. The costume design is by Karen Young.
Herstory of the Universe@Governors Island is commissioned by the Trust for Governors Island with support from the Charina Endowment Fund, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust. Made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC, the NYU TSOA Dean’s Faculty Grant, and a Harkness Foundation for Dance Project Grant. The project was developed in residency at the Catwalk Institute.
Dates and Reservations
Herstory of the Universe@Governors Island will be presented on Saturday, October 9, 2021 (rain date on October 10) and Saturday, October 16, 2021 (rain date on October 17). Performances are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. Reservations for Herstory of the Universe will be available at govisland.org starting on September 7, 2021.
Ferries
Governors Island is only accessible by ferry. To experience the full performance, visitors are encouraged to take ferries to Governors Island at the following times:
-- From the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan: 10am, 10:40am, 11:20am, 12pm, 12:40pm
-- From Brooklyn (Atlantic Avenue/Pier 6): 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm
-- From Brooklyn (Red Hook/Atlantic Basin): 9:45am, 10:45am, 11:45am, 12:45pm
Ferry ticket reservations for performance dates are available at govisland.org/ferry. Face coverings are required when boarding, riding, and exiting Governors Island ferries.
If arriving after the start time of 1pm, visitors may join the program in progress by checking in at The Climate Museum’s exhibition space in Nolan Park and proceeding to the next performance site.
Starting Time and Location
Visitors will begin their guided journey at The Climate Museum (Nolan Park Building 18), where they will receive an illustrated, hand-held map of the performance locations with more details. The map will be its own keepsake, created by fashion illustrator Connie Fleming. Each performance will last approximately 15 minutes and take place on the half hour, with the first performance beginning at 1pm and the final performance ending at 3:45pm.
About Richard Move
Richard Move. Ph.D. M.F.A., is a TED Global Oxford Fellow, Artistic Director of MoveOpolis! and Assistant Arts Professor at New York University. Move’s choreographic commissions include productions for Mikhail Baryshnikov and the White Oak Dance Project and two works for the Martha Graham Dance Company, in addition to numerous site-specific works created for the European Capital of Culture (France), Guggenheim Museum (New York), Parrish Art Museum, Cannes Film Festival, LMCC Sitelines Festival, and the Asian Civilazitions Museum in Singapore, among others. In 2019, Move presented Martha@Terminal Barão Geraldo, in a bus station in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Click here to view full artist bios and photos from Move’s previous site-specific work.
About The Trust for Governors Island
The Trust for Governors Island is the nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York that is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust’s mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for public space.
Cultural expression is at the core of Governors Island’s identity. The Island’s rich and varied environments, architecture, and histories provide an unparalleled platform for deeply transformative experiences with the arts. Since opening to the public in 2005, Governors Island has become a beloved destination and cultural resource for New York City. Beginning in 2013, the Trust for Governors Island has commissioned significant permanent and temporary artworks by artists such as Rachel Whiteread, Susan Philipsz, David Brooks, Jacob Hashimoto, Shantell Martin, and Duke Riley.
Pralaya Cuomo at Parrish Art Museum © Richard Move's MoveOpolis! Photo by Miguel Anaya
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