Modern dance icon Merce Cunningham's recently past, and now other artists are examining their oeuvre and noting the gems in their own histories. One of these diamonds THEM is making the trip from New York's downtown dance scene to REDCAT for a handful of shows Thursday through Sunday this week.
Conceived and directed by choreographer Ishmael Houston-Jones with writer Dennis Cooper and composer Chris Cochrane, promotional materials state that THEM will unearth its 1986 roots and its "unblinking look at the lives of young gay men...in the harrowing uncertain time of the...escalating AIDS crisis in the U.S." This current re-mounting is performed by the original three collaborators—now twenty-five years older—and seven younger men. Highlighting the themes of youth and survival, this West Coast premiere removes our blinders to the past with "ferocious energy and unforgettable imagery."
Already awarded a coveted New York Dance and Performance "Bessie" Award for "bringing an intensely visceral exploration of male identity in the time of AIDS to life with beauty, power, conviction and passion," the piece is propelled by its "hard-driving" live score by Cochrane and Cooper's "haunting texts."
Something NOT to be missed! Buy tickets here.
