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Donald Byrd’s New, New Normal
The renowned choreographer celebrates his 10th year with Spectrum Dance Theater.
This article originally appeared in the April 2013 issue of Seattle magazine.
It’s been 10 years since choreographer Donald Byrd alighted in Seattle to take the helm at Spectrum Dance Theater. Previously, he gained acclaim for his work as founding artistic director (1978–2002) of the Los Angeles–born and later New York City–based Donald Byrd/The Group. Once here, he continued to garner notice, thanks to his daring, dark and often political work, and also for his ability to craft fresh takes on well-worn stories (see: the 2006 Tony nomination he received for his choreography in the stage musical The Color Purple, and the controversially sultry number he crafted for Oklahoma! at the 5th Avenue Theatre last year).
To celebrate his decade with Spectrum, Byrd is restaging the first piece he created for the company. A world premiere originally presented at Intiman Theatre in 2003, “A Cruel New World/the new normal” is a meditation on post-9/11 America. But we suspect Byrd is restaging the work with eyes full of hindsight—especially since he’s setting it at the Emerald City Trapeze Arts Aerialdrome, where soaring ceilings are heightened by an undercurrent of fear.
4/11–4/13. Times and prices vary. Emerald City Trapeze Arts, 2702 Sixth Ave. S; 206.325.4161; spectrumdance.org
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Rearview Mirror: Wedding Bells, A Furniture Launch, and the Symphony’s New Look
Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).
WEDDING BELLS I’ve been a bit absent from this column lately, but I think I have a pretty good excuse: I got married! It’s already been three weeks since my September 19 wedding, but I’m still reflecting on the magic of the day. My fiancé, well husband now (I can’t get used to saying it!),…
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Kishi Bashi Is Ready to Feel Everything
Ten years after Sonderlust pushed his music in a new direction, he’s bringing the pivotal album to The Crocodile—and playing it in full for the first time.
Back in March of 2012, I snagged a last-minute ticket to see Of Montreal at the Showbox. As amazing as Kevin Barnes and company were, along with tourmates Deerhoof, the biggest impression made on me was the opener, Kishi Bashi. Armed with little more than a violin, a loop pedal, and a pristine voice, Kishi…
Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo Offers an Inside Look at the Creative Life
The October 9-11 gathering features live art-making and hands-on workshops, with Seattle artist Damon Brown delivering the keynote.
More than 100 artists participate each year in Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo & Symposium (ACES), which brings exhibitions, artist talks, live art-making, and workshops under one roof. Visitors can learn a technique from an artist or hear how a childhood memory became the starting point for a piece. This year’s event takes place October…