Thursday, February 15, 2018

Day 265 Multiple Choice Events at Wilson Center- (Meetings) Anthony Hamliton, Experimental Dance




Movement  performed to the sound of 64 miniature robotic devices that  produce  rhythms for the  show Meetings is definitely thinking outside the box which is just what Austrian choreographer, Anthony Hamilton is known for, and is  just what this blog is all about.  I was excited to experience Hamiton's collaboration with dancer, composer and sound engineer, Alisdair Macindoe, which brought  a unique performance duo for  another Multiple Choice Event to the August Wilson Center. I was ready for Meetings, my first  “experimental dance/sound instillation” experience!  


Reflection
There have been some fascinating artistic pairing at the August Wilson Center such as ballet combined with juggling (Day 245), and guitar playing combined with  video mapping (Day 234). I have to admit that I am not one to always “get it” when viewing  something labeled as “experimental” or “avant-garde” but I  was intrigued  with the idea of robotic devices providing the medium for dance.

robotic devices provided the medium for dance

 Meetings came to Pittsburgh after touring several countries. The show was  fascinating to watch as the  men continually moved sometimes smoothly, sometimes robotically  to  the tapping that originated from the 64 boxes that encircled them (watch Meetings trailer here).

My friend commented that the movement reminded him of Tai Chi and maybe that is why it seemed relaxing to watch. I especially enjoyed the mirror technique that the dancers used and their slow movement which resembled astronauts in orbit.
64 miniature robotic devices

The dancers had amazing stamina to be in constant motion for almost 50 minutes with an occasional  precise pause that  paralleled the varied tapping generated from the pencil like arms of the boxes. The boxes were just as mesmerizing as they kept the beat and ended the show solo. The minimal setting generated a visual focus on the motion through space which I believe was the artists’ goal. (I am smiling a bit because maybe  I “got it” this time as I watched this experimental dance).




Meetings was  another  interesting “Multiple Choice Event” where you can see a show and then take part in an after show dance party or you can  decide to  only join the after show dance party. The price varies based on your choice and there are food trucks on site to enjoy.  ( Multiple Choice Event schedule and TrustArts.org )

I say explore these Multiple Choice Events at the August Wilson Center and other shows brought to Pittsburgh by the Cultural Trust, where so far, they have been unique experiences that make you think "outside the box".  

Other Sources
https://culturaldistrict.org/awc/tickets-events
 http://antonyhamiltonprojects.com/section/418387-MEETING.htm
https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/multiple-choice-events