French choreographer Jérôme Bel is one of a kind. Internationally acclaimed for his envelope-pushing approach to dance and performance, he shares what he calls his “auto-bio-choreo-graphy” with REDCAT audiences for only two shows this Thursday and Saturday, April 4 and 6, at 8:30 p.m. in the downtown theater.
As the artist and his company choose not to travel by fossil-fueled engines and in line with his aesthetic agenda, the two-hour retrospective will be performed by local, and not necessarily dance- or performance-related, residents. In addition, pre-recorded excerpts and selections from his body of work will be projected on screens in the theater.
Surrounding all this is a commentary delivered by CalArts faculty member Ariel Osterweis. This project collaborator describes herself as a scholar-practitioner of dance and performance. She has a Ph.D. in performance studies from UC Berkeley and teaches performance studies and critical dance studies in the Dance department. Her contribution should deepen the viewer’s insight into the creator’s goals.
Bel often brings non-professionals onto the stage to realize his visions. In one piece, the amateurs interpret a movement phrase in the way that fits their bodies, experience and varied degrees of understanding. Each outcome is unique to the individual. In another globally traveled creation, a series of portraits of highly regarded contemporary dancers and dance makers, he directed these artists to stand on the stage and discuss their careers, moving their bodies for only short moments. The cumulative result of Bel’s designs is always surprising, refreshing and clear.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
Location:
631 West Second Street, LA 90012
Tickets:
$22-$27
https://ci.ovationtix.com/34348/production/1185785
Info:
https://www.redcat.org/events/2024/jerome-bel
Photo by Herman Sorgeloos