Join us in honoring Tonya Pinkins for her long-term, extraordinary impact on contemporary theater and performance in New York City. Expect virtual toasts by special guests!
social disDANCE is a live-streamed invitation to dance together, apart, in line with “Flatten the Curve” directives. In a spirit of solidarity, wellbeing, and uplifting play, we invite you to a new kind of dance party…
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
Co-created by Nile Harris and Trevor Bazile
you niggas in trouble is a meme essay/lecture created by Nile Harris and Trevor Bazile that utilizes a Google Document file as a site of liveness. Examining the online formations of self under the reign of neoliberal identity politics, you niggas in trouble asks “will the revolution have 501c3 status?” And occasions an experiment in ‘internet choreography’ or (a hyperlink opera) as a mode of hybrid,digital storytelling. This work is presented in partnership with YAH World.
A conversation about how theatre and performance institutions are forging partnerships with local, grassroots organizations in an effort to help build more equitable, just, and beautiful communities. The participants will discuss their ongoing collaborations, share what they have learned, and dream about what comes next.
Elevator Repair Service. Directed by John Collins, stage management by Maurina Lioce, featuring Gavin Price, Greig Sargeant, Christopher-Rashee Stevenson, and Ben Williams.
In 1965 James Baldwin and William F. Buckley, Jr. were invited to The Cambridge University Union to debate the resolution “The American Dream is at the Expense of The American Negro.” ERS re-creates their profoundly relevant confrontation in a work-in-progress showing of Baldwin and Buckley at Cambridge.
*Special thanks to Aaron Landsman and April Matthis for dramaturgical support
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Troy Anthony
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
Written, produced, and performed by Dena Igusti, directed by Ray Jordan Achan
A choreopoem based on Dena Igusti’s poetry about an Indonesian Muslim survivor of female genital mutilation navigating the loss of her people, body, and inevitable demise. She uses her body’s ghost, the internet, and webcams to realize what stays in a world shaped by what is and will be lost.
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
Written, edited, and sound/projection design by Zachariah Ezer, directed by Dominique Rider, with performances by Imani Russell, Namakula, Brandon Bogle, Ethan Fox, and Elizaveta Kravchenko.
In a fantasy kingdom, a princess and her captor’s magical lackey dream of social change, the overthrow of the local crime boss, and rescue from an overall-clad hero. Speedrun explores the idea that social movements are built on Black bodies who are then excluded when those movements reach the mainstream.
Created, directed, and produced by Shayok Misha Chowdhury, art direction and video by Kameron Neal, sound design by Jeremy S. Bloom
Vichitra is an experiment in queer South Asian imagination. In the first episode, An Anthology of Queer Dreams, we eavesdrop on LGBTQ+ South Asian folx across the world through anonymous, intimate, intricate recollections of their dreams. The second episode, Englandbashi, is a contemporary ghost story about taking reincarnation (too?) seriously.
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Diana Oh
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
More information to come! Please check the website for future updates.
Directed and video designed by Stefania Bulbarella with performances by Eugenia Diaz Cosentino, Delfina Kavulakian, Dominique Melhem, Flow Gateño, and Camila Taleisnik
Una niña, una familia, un pueblo is a developmental work in progress based on the memoir of María Melizza. Focusing on her memories as a child this piece explores her journey as an immigrant from Italy arriving in Argentina after escaping the Second World War. In the midst of devastation, “cuando no hay patria ni enemigos, vencedores ni vencidos,” we are left with each other in order to survive.
Based on the memoir of Maria Isabella Melizza – Una niña, una familia, un pueblo
Written & performed by Kareem M. Lucas, directed & edited by Alexander J. Koo, original music composed by Avi A. Amon
Some breakdowns lead to breakthroughs. Some breakdowns you never recover from. It’s hard to tell which it is when you’re going through it. While spiraling in isolation, reeling from loss connection, and navigating depression. You cant control your thoughts or feelings. Your mind feels like the enemy as you try to survive each day and find meaning in creating what often feels like trivial art. This video features a poem written and performed by Kareem M. Lucas that rawly explores one of those moments.
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Daniel Alexander Jones
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
Most nonprofits host an annual fundraising Gala, an event that seems to amplify every aspect of the field’s inequity: Attendance is overwhelmingly white and rich, and artists often perform for little or no money. This gathering of artists and arts workers seeks to reimagine the Gala and how it can reflect the shared values of everyone who makes the work on stage possible.
Directed and co-created by Dustin Wills, composed and co-created by Daniel Schlosberg
This is a Soviet montage of attractions con motivetti di Weltschmerz, Shadenfreude, Fernweh, Ohrwurm, Backpfeifengesicht, Schwarmerei, Vershlimmbessern, Sturmfrei, Wanderlust, Zugzwang, Kummerspeck, Torschlusspanik, Erklärungsnot, Innerer Schwienehund, Treppenwitz, Lebensmüde, Sitzfleisch, Sitzpinkler, Kuddelmuddel, and Kopfkino. Is it anterograde and retrograde amnesia? False awakenings? Déjà vu? Uroboros? Hè hè?
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Micah Bucey
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
This panel will explore the changes taking place in criticism today by reckoning with especially useless, misunderstood, or noxious words. After a series of brief presentations, the participants will launch out on a lively discussion about the roles and responsibilities of criticism in this revolutionary moment.
Performed by Miranda Haymon
After teaching tenure, writing books, and receiving consistent recognition for his federally subsidized art-making, bb brecht is finally satisfied….and has lost all inspiration. So he’s becoming an influencer. He hopes to rediscover desperation, exhaustion, suffering, and the many perils of modern life under corporate-driven capitalism. Los gehts!
Music produced and vocals by Kelsey Pyro, film and direction by Kino Galbraith
An experimental music film about the journey of letting go to create space. The original music depicts the ending of personal friend, romantic, and familial relationships with Black men amongst the national loss of George Floyd. Shot in Brooklyn and Minneapolis, the imagery interprets the music’s story and tone.
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Orion S. Johnstone (also composer)
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
Co-created by Jeesun Choi and Bryn Herdrich
Money plays a huge role in our lives. We pin our hopes and dreams on the dollar and yet we are unwilling to talk about it. Let’s end that taboo. A storytelling project/video collage, Penny Thoughts is a digital companion piece to BUST (Soho Rep’s Writer/Director Lab).
Co-written by Justin Aaron Halle, co-written, composed, and directed by Yeujia Low
In this one-act digital musical, animals—sick of years of mistreatment and because a speeding sheriff accidentally kills a deer on a highway—take up arms against humans. Our pet cats claw us to death, our dogs deafen us with non-stop barking. The locusts destroy our crops, the sparrows spread diseases, the wild animals invade the cities… When the dust clears, will there be any humans left?
Garrett Allen + Nazareth Hassan
Tell me what you want me to do. I don’t want to negotiate. I gave you the tools. Listen to my nothingness. Worship me, if you want. Just make sure you listen.
By Le’Andra LeSeur
Passing time with Grace is an extended documented performance using video, sound, and a form of non-linear narrative to focus on the ways in which the body responds to trauma: in stillness, in reflection, and in unhinged movement.
Created by Mei Ann Teo, composed by Orion S. Johnstone, with collaborators You-Shin Chen, Troy Anthony, and Matthias Neckermann
hold is an invitation to contemplative practice in queer resistance to capitalist conditioning of time, via collective gathering and recurring durational space. hold cultivates the body as site of revolution with seeds of intention sown in the morning and the rain of prayers at night.
the structure is simple:
welcome (3 min)
opening “bell”————closing “bell” (20 min)
seed/prayer (7min)
prayer offered by Queer Holy Nia Witherspoon–the final session of “hold” will be an hour long, and will provide space to reflect with a closing ritual.