CMU School of Drama


Monday, September 07, 2020

BIPOC Artists Illuminate Their Truth With Projected Art & Poetry

www.rosco.com/spectrum: The Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli, N.Y. has always provided an environment that dancers could use as a retreat through its residencies. This summer, however, it’s offering dancers and audiences something even more vital – a venue for dance performance. The Kaatsbaan Summer Festival features weekend dance performances from Aug.1 to Sept. 27, 2020, on an outdoor stage. A key component of that experience is a light and sound installation entitled, In light: of the time, which uses projected art and poetry to express the impact that police violence continues to have on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

1 comment:

Lauren Sousa said...

This project is one of the best things I've seen in awhile and was definitely a bright spot in my week. I love seeing multiple artforms come together in this way and it's such a important and timely piece. Also the fact that these artists were being represented in ways that they had never been before only makes it more compelling. There are just so many layers of things that work well and make it an effective art piece and to me that depth is what truly stands out for great art. I also thought that hearing about the process of this art coming to fruition was a great look into ways to support and empower BIPOC artist and work. I think the initial lighting designer handled the situation really well in acknowledging the space and opportunity for this piece and recognizing they were not the person to be telling the story but instead worked to bring together an incredible team to make the piece instead. It takes a level of humility and awareness to step back from something you aren't equipped to handle and recognize your role in the process and I think that is something that everyone, specifically white people could be well served in recognizing and adopting into common practice for ourselves.