In one step are a thousand animals: The Practice. Dancing project
One of the most prominent choreographers and performers of his generation, Trajal Harrell (American, b. 1973) questions the essence of contemporary dance by problematizing its history, gestures, and interpretation. In one step are a thousand animals, Harrell's two-year Annenberg Research Commission Residency project and part of the Department of Media and Performance Art's Performance Program, continues this line of inquiry. After concluding his long-term project Twenty Looks or Paris Is Burning at the Judson Church, Harrell shifted his focus to a different dance history, that of Japanese butoh. The more Harrell learned about butoh-a form developed in reaction to the conservatism permeating postwar Japanese dance-the more interested he became in the life and work of its founder, pioneering choreographer Tatsumi Hijikata (Japanese, 1928-1986). In one step are a thousand animals delves deeper into Hijikata's persona, and of the aesthetic possibilities of butoh. In one step are a thousand animalsbegins in September with The Practice, in which Harrell will offer insights into his working methods, inviting participation from internationally renowned musicians, composers, DJs, singers, and dancers. The working process will be visible to spectators over two days in six two-hour sessions. 4th-5th September. Organized by Ana Janevski, Associate Curator, with Leora Morinis, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Media and Performance Art.