Layard Thompson and Rebecca Patek

January 7, 2012 @ 5pm

Tickets by $15 suggested donation (cash only at the door) or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217043

Curated by Wanda Gala/Presented by Chez Bushwick

Bessie Award winning Layard Thompson, and Rebecca Patek present two consecutive evening length performances at Center for Performance Research in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

 

Spelling Flashhhh Lightsssss, by Layard Thompson, is crafted spontaneity—a solo performance and sly theatric defined by verbal, phenomenal, and action-oriented play. In this dance of light and language, Layard Thompson’s experimental questioning shifts forms through poetic libretto, performance portmanteau and musing clownish camp. Feint glimpses, enticing shadows, and the space imagined in the dark, shed light on potential shades of meaning.  In a strong review titled  “An Otherworldly Wildness This Way Comes”, Claudia La Rocco of The New York Times congratulates, “Here’s to dancers being heard, not just seen.”­ With words, gesture, and raw expression darkly wrought, Spelling Flashhhh Lightsssss wickedly illuminates the potential subjectivity of staged meaning-making performance.

 

Layard Thompson is a performing artist working through the medium of voice, movement, elaborate costumes, sets and a performance process which calls into question a theatrical world of sensory experimentation.   layardthompson.com

 

Resisdance, created and performed by Rebecca Patek explores the un-choreographed events in the performance environment that are experienced but not publicly acknowledged; inter-relational dynamics both onstage and between audience and performer, power dynamics, and emotional subtext. Patek is interested in these elements of performance which are frequently dismissed or considered wrong, awkward, and uncomfortable.  This is an integral part of her work; to reveal the discomfort and embarrassment of the performer, and create situations onstage of emotional conflict which are funny and absurd, but also frightening or disturbing.  She is continually exploring her limits as a performer, and also the cultural limits and limits within the art community, in terms of what is socially acceptable, what is “right or wrong”, aesthetically and personally. 

 

Using satire to incorporate those marginalized facets of performance, they become the central focus of the work, which allows movement between sincerity and cynicism until the line between the two becomes blurred for audience and performer alike.  Seeking to create active experiences for the audience in contrast to passive viewing, Patek subverts traditional notions of performance structure aiming to call into question assumptions and reflexive ways of perceiving. In these moments of disorientation and discomfort lies the opportunity for transformation.  This is the ultimate goal of Patek's artistic work.

 

Rebecca Patek is a Brooklyn based choreographer and performance artist creating work that is a synthesis of dance, theater and comedy. Patek is currently a 2011-12 Artist in Residence at Movement Research.  http://rebeccapatek.com/

 

This program is supported by Mertz Gilmore Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Prospect Hill Foundation, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

  

Center for Performance Research, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a new development for the performing arts in Brooklyn’s first L.E.E.D. certified green building of its kind. This 4,000 square foot arts facility provides affordable space for rehearsal and performance, innovative arts programming, education and pedagogical engagement with the communities of New York City and abroad.

www.cprnyc.org

 

Directions to CPR: L Train to Graham Avenue (3^rd stope in Brooklyn), exit right out of turnstile, left down Graham Avenue, left on Jackson Street, right on Manhattan Avenue.  CPR is located at the corner of Jackson Street and Manhattan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

 

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A Story: Dido and Aeneas at CPR

 

Unfortunately the Myriam Gourfink shows scheduled for next week are postponed due to delays with the artist visas requested from US Citizen and Immigration Services. We anticipate the shows will occur in April 2012. Updated information will be posted as soon as it is confirmed.

 

 

Chez Bushwick presents acclaimed French choreographer Myriam Gourfink’s

Corbeau (US Premiere), Marine (US Premiere) and Breathing Monster (NYC Premiere).

 

Myriam Gourfink's unique work blends computer-choreography with yoga techniques,

exploring micro-movements while challenging conventional notions of dance. In less

than ten years Gourfink has become one of Europe’s leading contemporary

choreographers, known for work that requires extreme physical control and results in a

strange and boundless beauty. Every movement, every look, every breath is meticulously

pre-determined to the millimeter, enabling the dancer's body to move along a measured

and fascinating path. Gourfink’s work unfurls like a wave, a long vibration that echoes

the music that accompanies it.

 

Produced by Chez Bushwick with support from: French-US Exchange in Dance (FUSED), Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, New York Community Trust, Foundation for Contemporary Art, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

 

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2011 / 6:30 pm

Sikkema Jenkins & Co Gallery

530 West 22nd Street; New York, NY 

The Chez Bushwick Benefit Comittee is honored to invite you to a special evening

SEQUEL: 
Collaboration between visual artist Irit Batsry & choregrapher Jonah Bokaer

A Benefit Gala for Chez Bushwick

6:30 PM / Cocktails

7:30 PM / Premiere of SEQUEL

8PM-9PM / Reception with the artists  


TICKETS
Patrons / $500  
Tickets include cocktails, seated preview & post-performance reception with the artists
6:30pm - 9pm
Supporters / $250
Tickets include cocktails & seated preview
6:30pm - 8pm
Artists / $75
Tickets include cocktails & preview
6:30pm - 8pm
 

PURCHASE ONLINE
Click here to purchase tickets with a credit card online. 

PURCHASE BY MAIL
Please make your check payable to Chez Bushwick, and mail to 
Chez Bushwick, 304 Boerum Street #23, Brooklyn, NY 11206.

Please include the type and number of tickets you are purchasing, as well as your name, address, telephone number, and email address so we may confirm receipt.  

MORE INFORMATION
718-418-4405
christina@chezbushwick.net

BENEFIT COMMITTEE
Helen Allen, Daniel Arsham, Wayne S. Blank, Jonah Bokaer, Keith Butler, Richard Chai, Lili Chopra, Phyllis Herschenfeld, Thomas H. Lee, Erica Marks, Paul McCann, Bruce Pask, King's Fountain: Barbara Watson Pillsbury and Henry Pillsbury, Maika Pollock, Brent Sikkema, Patsy Tarr, Micki Wesson, and Wheelock Whitney III

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Sikkema Jenkins & Co Gallery 

 

 

 

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Workshop with Maya Lipsker

June 20-24 @ Chez Bushwick

Hours: 11am -1pm

Price: $15

This class allows dancers from all levels to experience a group-dynamic work which stimulates the senses and the imagination. Focusing on energy lifting exercises, we explore areas of physical effort, virtuosity, musicality, individual expression and improvisation. The key for our work is enjoying- as an essential mental and physical task. Witnessing the powerful tool of pleasure and guiding images, and encouraging creativity through awareness, alertness and playfulness- through which we gain our technique, strength and articulation.

In the second part of the class, we will experience our physical build up infused into the study of a choreographic sequence.  

Based on my experience of teaching the Gaga method used in Batsheva Dance Company, the class embodies the elements I have adopted and developped in improvisation, composition and choreography in the last 6 years.

See more on youtube! Click here to see the video

 

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CHEZ BUSHWICK  PARTICIPATES 

 IN 

 BUSHWICK OPEN STUDIOS 

We are very excited to invite you to Chez Bushwick this Saturday June 4th from 3:30-7 for Bushwick Open Studios. 

Come see these fabulous performers in our newly refinished studio! 

Performances by: 

3:30 Laurel Snyder, Mariana Valencia, Adam Weinert 

5:00 Kennis Hawkins, Jacob Slominski, Tatyana Tenenbaum, Anya Liftig 

And more TBA!  

More info on what other wonderful events are happening during Bushwick Open Studios here!  

 

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Street Festival!

Maria Hernandez Park

Thursday May 26 2011 3-5 pm.

Join us as we celebrate Chez Bushwick's collaboration with artist Marjorie Guyon and the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Arts & Literacy Program! Children from 3 different Bushwick public schools will present their performance and visual art response to Marjorie Guyon's Nation of Nations mixed-media work. This project was facilitated by educators Tamara Williams, Stephen Schaffenberger, Cynthia Kennedy, and Wanda Galaof the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Arts & Literacy Program and PS 123. This program was made possible with support from the Mertz Gilmore Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

 

Workshop with Melanie Kuxdorf

Monday, May 9 - 3pm-5pm  / Wednesday, May 11 - 6pm-8pm  / Thursday, May 12 - 6pm-8pm

Happening @ Chez Bushwick

1. Monday May 9, 3-5pm / Workshop Title: Burning & Dodging: Remembering in the Brain and the Body

This workshop uses the body to explore how the brain remembers - and forgets. This class takes from the creative process of the original piece Burn & Dodge ( at the CPR on May 10th). It will use recent discoveries about the creativity of remembering to find new ways of moving and generation movement. The class will also explore where memory resides, and how the body can recapture a forgotten memory. 

2. Wed. May 11, 6-8pm / Workshop Title: Contact Improvisation / by Alana Gereke

 In this partnering workshop, we will work on some of the basic principals of Contact. Improvisation, including mobile support, balance, and ease into and out of the floor. Throughout, we will work to recognize the information ( and choreographic invitations) delivered by touch. A focus on floorwork and inversion will keep this class moving!

 

3. Thurs. May 12, 6-8pm /Workshop Title: Site-Specific Exploration/ by Catherine Andersen 

The class will explore movement and improvisation in the urban spaces around Chez Bushwick. From improvisation exercises to exploratory missions, we will investigate how the city influences the body and structures the performance choices we make. Site-specific work allows for unpredictable sensory experiences, so rather than just pasting studio work on the city, we will let the space inform the movement. This class happens outdoors so come prepared for the weather!

 

Workshop fee:

 

Single class:  $15 0r $11 with proof of purchase of Melanie's show at CPR, Tuesday May 10th. 

More info : www.melaniekuxdorf.com

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Yoga and Allan Wayne Work Instruction    

with Brenna Palughi   

Tuesdays May 10th to July 26th, 6:30pm-8pm

 (Tuesday May 31st 4:30pm-6pm)

 Sundays June 12th to July 31st, 3:30pm-5pm

 $10 

 

A goal of Allan Wayne's work is "to facilitate an individual's ability to grasp a clear and expanded use of the body, finding fresh physical discoveries based on experiential exercises and functionally-based improvisations.Consistent results include: the releasing of chronic tension in the superficial muscles, rehabilitating deep postural muscles that aren't used efficiently, increased power and ease of movement, and an inner experience of balance and integration. From the outside, the movement which results is beautiful." 

Brenna Palughi has taught classes that use Allan Wayne Work at Yale School of Drama's Summer Conservatory for Actors as well as private one on one sessions for actors and dancers.  She studied the technique at the Yale School of Drama and went onto study it more intensively as a teacher with Brendan McCall in Norway.  She completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training at Sankalpah Yoga and studied in the Professional Trainee Program at The Martha Graham School for Contemporary Dance.  She holds an MFA in Acting from Yale and is an actor/choreographer/director who resides in Bushwick. 

The description of Allan Wayne Work contains quotes by Paul Langland taken from the article "Body of Work" by Brendan McCall.  

The entire article can be read here: http://www.paullangland.com/bodyofworkarticle.html 

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LOW LIVES 3

April 29th and 30th @ 8pm and 3pm 

CPR- Center for Performance Research- 361 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11211 

Now entering its third year, Low Lives is an international exhibition of live performance-based works transmitted via the internet and projected in real time at multiple venues throughout the U.S. and around the world. Low Lives examines works that critically investigate, challenge, and extend the potential of performance practice presented live through online broadcasting networks. These networks provide a new alternative and efficient medium for presenting, viewing, and archiving performances. Low Lives is not simply about the presentation of performative gestures at a particular place and time but also about the transmission of these moments and what gets lost, conveyed, blurred, and reconfigured when utilizing this medium. Low Lives embraces works with a lo-fi aesthetic such as low pixel image and sound quality, contributing to a raw, DIY and sometimes voyeuristic quality in the transmission and reception of the work.  

This year  Low Lives promises to be the farthest reaching to date with 22 presenting partners in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Germany, India, Tanzania, and Japan.  Low Lives has formed a strategic partnership with Chez Bushwick, an artist-run organization based in Brooklyn, New York dedicated to the advancement of interdisciplinary art and performance, with a strong focus on new choreography. Chez Bushwick is co-producing Low Lives 3 and is instrumental in extending the platform’s international reach.  www.chezbushwick.net For more info visit: www.lowlives.net

You want to participate and be part of LOW LIVES 3? 

A Call for artists in now out - For more informations about the process and proposals, click here: http://lowlives.net/index.php?/contact/news/2/  Available also in Spanish -   

 

 

Table Town Hall by the ICSCS

 

 

2011, March 21st @ 6pm

 

 

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South (20th Street)

ICSCS – The Institute for Culture in the Service of Community Sustainability announces its next Table Town Hall at 6pm on Monday, March 21, 2011. We will have drinks, light refreshments and schmoozing for the first ½ hour and then we will get right down to work. Admission is free. NAC requests that you wear business casual attire. We will hear very brief informational presentations from: representatives of a coalition that has been working with Manhattan Community Boards on arts issues and the folks at One Percent for Culture. We will talk a little bit about electric rates. Then we will talk with each other about data being used to represent us and what we think of it all. The Town Hall is back!

Rsvp to ephillips@demos.org

 

SHIFT: Images and Narratives of African Women in Movement

Exhibition February 17-April 1, 2011

Grand Opening on February 17 - 4pm-8pm

Brooklyn College -Maroon Room, Student Center ( SUBO)

FREE!

This exhibit, papers, films and discussions, will offer the Brooklyn community opportunities to explore current conversations in African feminist theory.

contact: Lynda Day, Endowed Chair of Women's Studies Program - Lday@brooklyn.cuny.edu