A Dance Production With Nature As Co-star
Contemporary Dance Artists Eiko and Koma perform in the Huron River
White light bathed their bodies, which were reflected in the river. Their slow, almost imperceptible movements created shapes that transcended the human form." So wrote one critic, describing Eiko and Koma's mesmerizing performances. The Japanese-born duo will perform their recent work, River (1995), in the Huron River on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.
Eiko and Koma (Japanese for "woman" and "man") have been working together as dance artists since 1971, creating an innovative, hybrid genre of movement theatre that generates beautiful and mysterious images. Their performances are dreamlike productions performed with slow gestural deliberation, blending natural elements - air, earth and water - with unnatural elements - calculated stage light, stage decor and stylized motion. Like many of their works, River is an outdoor environmental exploration meant to reflect the fragility and resilience of nature. Audience members seated on the banks of the Huron River in Nichols Arboretum become integrated into both the performance and the natural surroundings.
River begins at dusk with a film of Eiko and Koma projected onto an animal hide drawn taut between two poles. As the film draws to a close, the screen is toppled into the water, and Koma mystically emerges into the lighted area. In the distance, Eiko begins to draw toward the audience, moving through the water without so much as a sound or ripple. What follows is a work symbolizing evolution on earth and man's relationship to the earth we inhabit, in both an ecological sense and in a spiritual sense. The piece ends in total darkness with Eiko and Koma floating downstream, blending their way into the river's flow as though they are becoming the human embodiment of the river itself.
In addition to the two performances of River, Eiko and Koma will lead several master classes and discussions, as well as a "Delicious Movement Class." Observers are welcome to stop by Nichols Arboretum the week of the performances to watch the technical setup. For more information, call the University Musical Society at 734-764-2538.
What: Eiko and Koma perform "River"
When: Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 8:15 p.m.
Where: Huron River in Nichols Arboretum
Tickets & Information: University Musical Society, 734-764-2538. $25 general admission (seating on the banks of the Huron River, no seat backs or lawn chairs allowed.)