Big Dance Theater returns to BAM Nov 14—18 with 17c, a dizzy intertextual romp through the diaries of famed 17th-century philanderer Samuel Pepys and his tragic wife Bess
Context is everything, so get even closer to the production with this curated selection of related articles and videos. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #BAMNextWave.
Program Notes
ARTICLE
Finding Bess: 17c and the Restoration Theater of Annie-B Parson (Brooklyn Rail)
“I find voices that inspire me... and then I write into them.” Annie-B Parson, Co-Artistic Director of Big Dance Theater on creating a voice for Bess.
Finding Bess: 17c and the Restoration Theater of Annie-B Parson (Brooklyn Rail)
“I find voices that inspire me... and then I write into them.” Annie-B Parson, Co-Artistic Director of Big Dance Theater on creating a voice for Bess.
ARTICLE
17c—Writing the Self (BAM blog)
"Pepys was eye-opening in how unusual he was for his time, not because he was a diarist, but because of his compulsive, plain spoken and uncensored writing—it reminded me of a Facebook page!"
WEBSITE
The Diary of Samuel Pepys (pepysdiary.com)
All of Pepys' diary entries, plus letters, articles, and a trove of additional information, annotated by a devoted online community.
WEBSITE
Big Dance Theater (bigdancetheater.com)
Explore the company's rich performance history.
Watch & Listen
VIDEO
Making 17c (YouTube)
Making 17c (YouTube)
Step inside Big Dance Theater’s “really busy and really
messy” rehearsal room
Now your turn...
It is always a thrill to see Big Dance Theater in action, and especially fun when Cynthia Hopkins is on board. In a word, 17c was layered and lush, the performers impressive, and I admit it: I had a ball snooping through Samuel’s diaries. Had he been alive today, I am curious about what he would have preferred: Facebook, Twitter, or his own blog?
ReplyDeleteThis is such vital theater. Inventive, confident, and even touching. The players are all stars. It sometimes seems preposterous that all of this tremendous talent is assembled on one stage. There is so much to take in! Small movements and gestures resonate as well as the wonderful, distinct, and unforgettable voices. I loved it. I hope to this company at BAM again soon.
ReplyDelete