Although that question may be slightly different for each member, I suspect it is a variation of, "What precisely are we underneath the social mask of our clothes?"
As part of the preparation for Phantasmagoria, Taylor showed his dancers a picture by Pieter Bruegel, the elder (1525-69) entitled The Wedding Dance. The painting portrays a group of revellers who are dancing in a folk style in a medieval village. What is perhaps most pertinent is the manner in which the dancers, village folk, and village gradually and seamlessly blend with the forest.
Trusnovec feels that Taylor's work captures the essence of this painting because, "Taylor brought a folk dance quality to the piece." Reflecting on the loss of a connection to a folk culture, Taylor presents us with "Isadora Duncan dancers, ethereal Greek goddesses, Irish step dancers, and Adam and Eve."
Although these juxtapositions sound jarring, it all holds together and is, according to Trusnovec, "a perfect example of how Paul leaves it open for the audience. He puts together these collections of images that are important to him in some way and then gives it away."
Company B is a real crowd pleaser that offers a number of layers for understanding. Set to the contagious music of the Andrews Sisters' from the 1940s, Taylor explores the contradiction between these high spirits and the tragedies of WWII.
Trusnovec sees how Taylor weaves together a "foreground of jovial fun,
Pre-Show Lobby Chat 6:30 p.m.
D Sance peak
life is grand," while there is also "this background of a war-torn country, where these men are going off and fighting and dying, ultimately leaving these women alone." Although many reviewers and audience members focus on the male characters, Trusnovec sees "how strong the women are in this piece" because "they are left with such heartbreak and the burden of losing these men that they love."
Taylor continues to create two pieces a year, and his work is still as challenging and beautiful as it was in the beginning. The opportunity to witness a dance company of this calibre performing the work of a legendary choreographer is rare.
Enrich your experience.
Join Jon Eben Field in the lobby before all dance performances at 6:30 p.m. for a free Pre-Show DanceSpeak with dancers, choreographers, artistic directors and dance experts.
Taylor has written that "whenever a dance of mine is controversial it brings me much satisfaction. One of my aims is to present questions rather than answers."
Similarly, I believe the role of meaningful art is to stimulate dialogue and discussion about who we are and what we are becoming. Taylor's work questions not only its subject matter, but it questions us through the language of dance performance. As such, we cannot help but talk about what these dances mean.
Written by Jon Eben Field.
www.jonebenfield.com
SPRING 2011
Arts.BrockU.ca
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