Upcoming Performances:
June 14th At West 22nd Street Between Neptune Avenue and Coney Island Creek for Global Water Dances Produced by Artichoke Dance Company
July 12th at Four Freedoms Park for City of Water Day Hosted by Idig2learn
September 14th at the Cove next to Socrates Sculpture Park for the Anniversary of 36pt5/A Durational Performance with the Sea
What does it mean to be visible but unseen? To be hidden in plain sight, with no access to you, and no desire to be accessed. How do we tuck away something so vital to our topography, to the point that it is no longer a thought to those who inhabit the area? Luyster Creek, also known as Steinway Creek, is tucked away in an area of Queens/Astoria that many residents do not visit. It is an area with water that can be visited and should be seen, yet it never is. Luyster Creek’s history is one of industrialization and discard, but also one of connection and care.
Luyster Creek has finally undergone some renovation to make it an area where people can visit, yet no one where no one goes near the creek. Therefore, the beautification of the creek does not mean attention, only possible care. Through dance and movement, we can bring the creek to light and show its vast and incredible history. The creeks waters granted access and connection to Flushing creek, The East River and the Long Island Sound for mariners. Making it an area for travel and commerce within what we now know as queens. Among this beautiful historical fact surrounding the water's ability to be a great connector, it was also a dumping sight and is constantly an area with sewage overflow. For this reason, the creek was a place to avoid because of its smell. Now Luyster creek neighbors a power plant and is surrounded by industrialization such as a newly built film studio.
Luyster Creek is surrounded by industrialization and newness, yet it is still not an area brought up in discussion and is often forgotten and unseen. Through Introspection we hope to bring awareness to our ability to change topography, as well as how we have negatively impacted our waters and environment. An area that has supported us through transportation has undergone pollution and is now forgotten. How could we harm our surroundings and a crucial part of our history? How can we, through dance, bring awareness and change? Introspection hopes to bring awareness and bring attention to the site and its history while also encouraging clean ups and communication with NYC Parks, EPA, Clean Water Action and other organizations to continue their efforts in cleaning our water fronts.
Sometimes all it takes is a human body to bring awareness to our actions. The goal is to use our bodies as a vessel for this body of water and to speak with it. To call our audiences to action so that they may visit these waters and question the human beings place in our ecology.
Introspection was first shown at Hunter college as a part of Bisrams Dance workshop thesis. The piece was created through the use of studies on: 1) Luyster's water, 2) The fence that surrounded Luyster Creek, 3) The trash pick-up that happened 4 years ago 4) The Act of Reaching, and 5) The Hook like Shape Luyster Creek takes on the map. These studies were taught and then improvised with by the Hunter College cast. Through the use of improvisation, the piece was built. Essentially the piece was built on the original Hunter College cast and then restaged on new cast for the Global Water Dance and City of Water Day performances.
(The video on the right is not tthe official video, but is the video of the dress rehearsal)
ChrisBisram/ShakunDaviDance had the privilege to present Introspection in its second stage following the showing of the initial presentation at Hunter College. Introspection was performed for Global Water Dances in Brooklyn, produced by Artichoke Dance Company, a national leader in Eco-Arts Performance and Climate Action. Global Water Dance Day is an international event, where dancers and non-dancers come together to perform works about water to bring awareness towards a solution for water preservation. Bisram, an Artichoke Ambassador was invited to showcase their work in progress, Introspection, as a part of the Global Water Dance performances. Participants also have the opportunity to learn and perform the official Gobal Water Dance, which Bisram and Company performed alongside Introspection. Introspection at its second stage was performed by Julianna-Outeda Matute, Arianna Francesca Black, and Christopher Bisram.
[Thank you so much to Artichoke Dance Company for having us! :) ]