Pacific Northwest Ballet Soloists Elle Macy, left, and Dylan Wald in "The Trees The Trees" by Robin Mineko Williams photo @ Angela Sterling |
About a third of the way into my
second viewing of Robin Mineko Williams’ new ballet “The Trees The Trees,” I
thought to myself, ‘I love this!’ That response confirmed my initial reaction to the
dance the week before, when I saw its world premiere on opening night of
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s most recent “Director’s Choice” program.
"Director's Choice" is such an interesting title for a mixed bill. Obviously, every PNB program is
chosen by Artistic Director Peter Boal. That’s part of his job, after all. But
the annual “Director’s Choice” gives audiences a chance to see contemporary
work, and it's always one of my favorite things on the PNB schedule. In this case, we were offered two world premieres and the Seattle debut of Justin Peck’s
exuberant “In the Countenance of Kings.”
The evening’s first premiere,
Matthew Neenan’s “Bacchus,” was a crowd-pleasing, lively, and extremely purple,
ballet. Where “Bacchus” is lush and velvety, with a score by Oliver Davis to
match, “The Trees The Trees” is spiky, atmospheric, and even a little melancholy.
Ultimately, though, for me it's a far more satisfying work.
PNB Soloist Leah Merchant with Corps de Ballet member Christopher D'Ariano in "The Trees The Trees." photo @ Angela Sterling |
The curtain rises on a sort of
abstract, mid-century modern set: a white tree, bench and chair, and a white
rectangle that serves as a back drop. Vocalist Alicia Walter enters the stage
with Soloist Leah Merchant and the outstanding Corps de Ballet member,
Christopher D’Ariano. Walter is singing a series of poems by Heather
Christle, which have been set to Kyle Vegter’s score. Although we have the
lyrics in our programs, I couldn’t always make out the words Walter sings. That
was okay, though. The music meshed perfectly with the movements, conjuring a
world where the dancers seem to be searching for connections, for human
contact.
PNB Soloist Ezra Thomson with Principal Dancer Noelani Pantastico in "The Trees The Trees." photo @ Angela Sterling |
From the instant Merchant and
D’Ariano ooze over the white bench, to Noelani Pantastico and Ezra Thomson’s less
liquid pas de deux, to Elizabeth Murphy’s marvelous solo, to Elle Macy and
Dylan Wald in a final duet in front of the white rectangle, which has been lowered to obscure the rest of the set, I was immersed in this ballet. Each of these
dancers seemed truly and fully invested in the choreography (I ran into Ezra
Thomson after the performance and he told me they really were invested because
Mineko Williams had involved them in her creative process).
PNB Principal Dancer Elizabeth Murphy performs a solo in great socks, with vocalist Alicia Walter on the bench photo @ Angela Sterling |
The movements themselves were
a definite departure from the ballet vocabulary, even contemporary works. First off, the
dancers wore socks, including Murphy’s burgundy over-the-knee glories. Secondly, and more significant, Mineko Williams’ choreography seems to emanate from the torso, almost
undulating out to dancers’ limbs. It’s the kind of movement you see more
typically at Velocity Dance Center or a Whim W’Him performance than onstage at
McCaw Hall. And oh, it looked so good on these excellent PNB dancers.
I have friends who disdain ballet's attempts to defy gravity, to focus on becoming air-borne. In "The Trees The Trees" gravity rules. D'Ariano, Thomson and Wald dance a trio on, over and around a white chair. Each, in turn, slithers to the floor, rolls, then lifts himself up to circle back to have another go. Is D'Ariano casting a spell on Wald? Is Thomson watching or trying to intervene? You create the story here and throughout this ballet.
From left, PNB Soloist Ezra Thomson, vocalist Alicia Walter, Soloist Dylan Wald and Corps de Ballet member Christopher D'Ariano in Robin Mineko Williams' "The Trees The Trees" photo @ Angela Sterling |
Later on, as I watched the ensemble move forward, one by one, to place their chins to Elizabeth Murphy’s shoulder, gently
nudging her toward the floor, I was reminded of the power of the human touch, even in this era where our relationships so often consist of digital “likes.” I've read that, as our interactions move increasingly online, we crave a space to help us understand our purpose, to connect, to dream. In "The Trees The Trees," Robin Mineko Williams and the seven dancers weave a world that caught and held me, and still has me thinking.
On opening night, my Millenial
companion remarked to me that “The Trees The Trees” felt very much of and about her own generation.
That may be true, but this dance also resonated with me, an observer more than 30 years her senior. There’s almost nothing I like better than
watching artists who abandon themselves to their material. Especially when that
material is multi-dimensional, lyrical and thought-provoking. Well done, Robin Mineko Williams. Very well done cast members.
You are watching future choreographers, stagers, artistic directors and (inter)nationally recognised performers here. At least two of them will go on to found troupes bearing their names. You, they, and the audience are all in the middle of (Artistic) History -- and none of you might even know it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Joel's Pro Tree Service
ReplyDeleteI think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Beavercreek
ReplyDeleteHere are some things you should consider before telling the Bollywood dancer, "you're hired".exotic dancers near me
ReplyDeleteEarning money from exotic dancing is not as easy as it sounds. This job pays well and because of that, many women are aspiring to become a high-paying exotic dancer in an upscale gentlemen's club. However, to actually dance in front of strangers can sometimes be frightening. hire exotic dancers in Austin Texas
ReplyDeletevery interesting keep posting. Miami strippers for hire
ReplyDeletenice bLog! its interesting. thank you for sharing.... Concord strippers
ReplyDeleteGreat info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. strippers near me
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! Minnie mouse character near me
ReplyDeleteThis is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. strippers near me
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your web journal! We are a group of volunteers and new activities in the same specialty. Website gave us helpful data to work. codes for shindo life
ReplyDelete