We are well aware of prevalent global issues in our world today: environmental, medical, political, and so on. In fact, we repeatedly hear about these issues so often that we now tune out their purpose and messages. In the world of art, however, that automatic dismissal is generally discarded. Creative expression can present a lesson or story in a refreshing – and usually striking – way.
Performance Space 122 is a cultural center in New York that has just revived a dance piece from 1986. It is titled “Them,” and was created by Chris Cochrane (composer), Ishmael Houston-Jones (choreographer), and Dennis Cooper (writer). The performance actually debuted at P.S. 122, before its 2010 revival. At that time, the AIDS panic was fully developing, but “Them” was not about that specific crisis. The piece reflected unsettling general issues through its own disturbing elements; these were not explicitly stated, but an observer could make an internal connection. “Them” continues to have a similar effect today, yet it is translated differently due to changes in history. The story and art themselves, however, have not changed.
Through artistic and poetic expression, “Them” presents the theme of male interaction with fellow men. The individualistic qualities of the dancers quietly intertwine with one another as they maintain an anonymous identity. Low lighting on the set further enhances the mysterious character of the performance. As Cooper recites words of loss, Cochrane sensually plays a guitar and Houston-Jones passionately dances. These grieving words are parallel to the externally depressed and “dying” figures of the dancers. Men, in general, strive to give the appearance of invincibility and strength; yet, in the piece, they show longing for an escape that cannot be achieved, which ultimately has affected them physically. What they wish to be freed from is not quite clear; it could be from themselves and what society pressures them to become, or from the prevalent global issues at the time (i.e., AIDS, sexual identity, etc.). Improvisation is also an important skill for these dancers, which further symbolizes the erratic change in global dilemma.
Since the piece was recently performed, I couldn’t find a video of it online. However, P.S. 122 has a YouTube channel with other visuals that you can watch for your own curiosity.
Improvisation in dance is challenging, because there is not really a framework against which to understand it (like chord progressions for musical improvisation). Of course, dance does include motive, and development so these elements can be utilized in a visual dimension. Many choreographers improvise and video tape themselves, using their improvisations as a sketch pad for more detailed and more fully worked out dances.