As for pulling out themes from Bill T. Jones’ gathering of tales, well, the bedrock of human existence seems to be very much on his mind — life and death, landscape and memory.
Bill-T.-Jones
Theater Review: A High-Octane “Fela!”
Don’t expect a standard musical. Think of Fela! as an immersive, artsy, concert experience featuring virtuoso displays of dance and musicianship.
Fuse Dance Review: “Story/Time” — A Serving of Meta-Bill T. Jones
Literally seating himself under a spotlight at the center of the stage, celebrated choreographer Bill T. Jones indulged in a celebrity interview with himself, sharing moving and mundane autobiographical anecdotes while his company danced in abstract arrangements around his desk for exactly 70 minutes.
Fuse Theater Review: A Most Engaging “FELA!”
This musical/dance hybrid portrays Afrobeat originator Fela as a master entertainer and political agitator, an evening of terrific dance numbers nimbly performed and wonderful music played by first-rate musicians that ends on a suitably somber acceptance that with high flying dreams of freedom come bottom line responsibilities. FELA! Book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. […]
Judicial Review #2: Serenade/The Proposition at Jacob’s Pillow
What is a Judicial Review? It is a fresh approach to creating a conversational, critical space about the arts. The aim is to combine editorial integrity with the community—making power of interactivity. This is our second session. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! For dance critic Debra Cash, Serenade/The Proposition, the first of Bill T. Jones’s investigations […]
Judicial Review Preview: Bill T. Jones’ American Pillars
In Serenade/The Proposition, the first of Bill T. Jones’ investigations into the myth and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the choreographer looks at history and history looks back. By Debra Cash Cash was the professional critic on the Judicial Review panel reacting to Bill T. Jones’ Serenade/The Proposition at Jacob’s Pillow, July 21 through 25. She […]
Dance Review: Race and Dance
Dance icon Bill T. Jones confounds expectations about race and the power of stereotypes in two new dance pieces. “Reading, Mercy and the Artificial Nigger” and “Mercy 10×8 On a Circle” by Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company By Debra Cash Bill T. Jones would no doubt take umbrage at being compared to the white […]