16 Years of Grupo Corpo at BAM

Brazilian dance troupe Grupo Corpo is no stranger to the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House stage. On Jan 31, the troupe returns to BAM for the fifth time for the US premiere of Bach & Gira, a two-piece performance that is both fresh and referential of Grupo Corpo’s decorated history and choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras’ gift for boundary-pushing dance. Founded in 1975, Grupo Corpo sits at the forefront of Brazilian contemporary dance and is internationally renowned for blending idioms from modern dance and ballet with traditional Brazilian movement, while also continuing to challenge current understandings of how bodies relate to music and sound. Here’s a look back at 16 years of masterful performances.

In Context: Bach & Gira

Photo: Jose Luiz Pederneiras

Brazil’s foremost contemporary dance troupe returns to BAM for the 5th time with Bach & Gira, a distinctive double bill that showcases the company's breadth. Like the company itself, the program foregrounds classical technique, traditional Afro-Brazilian movement, and a current choreographic language. Choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras renders the baroque beautifully modern in Bach, set to Marco Antônio Guimarães’ interpretation of Bach. Then, the ensemble transports us to its home country with Gira, featuring a soundtrack by São Paulo band Metá Metá. Context is everything, so get even closer to the production with this curated selection of related content. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #GrupoCorpo.

In Context: Ionesco Suite

Photo: Jean Luis Fernandez

A feat of repartee and wordplay from acclaimed director Emmanuel Demarcy-Mota and Théâtre de la Ville, Paris, Ionesco Suite comprises excerpts from the following plays: The Bald Soprano; The Lesson; Frenzy for Two, or More; Jack, or The Submission; and French Conversation and Diction Exercises for American Students, allowing audieno experience principal scenes and taste the tragicomic stylings of playwright Eugène Ionesco. 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 #Ionescosuite.

Notes on Ionesco Suite From Its Actors and Creators

Théâtre de la Ville, Paris presents Ionesco Suite, a collective work based on texts by Eugène Ionesco staged as an unruly dinner party, at the BAM Fisher from Jan 23—26, directed by Emmanuel Demarcy-Mota. The actors and creators provided texts of their own about the Ionesco Suite adventure, which have been translated here.

Free Cinema Tickets for Federal Employees

If Beale Street Could Talk, Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures

Beginning Monday, January 14, federal staffers on furlough due to the government shutdown are offered free admission to the first show of the day of any film currently playing at BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Ave), Monday through Thursday. To receive one free ticket, present a Federal Employee ID at the box office; no online or advance orders are available. Showtimes for all films are available at bam.org/film.

Choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras on the Inspiration Behind Bach & Gira

Brazil’s Grupo Corpo brings Bach & Gira to the Howard Gilman Opera House (Jan 31—Feb 2). Choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras answered some questions about the productions.

Q: What inspired you to pair Bach and Gira?

A: Bach is a piece from 1996, and the main idea was a tribute to Johann Sebastian Bach. Starting from there, we wanted something superior, elevated, that transmits the greatness of the German composer. Gira, a view of Afro-Brazilian religions, has a spiritual characteristic. From this angle, we have the elevation of spirituality throughout both pieces, and it seemed interesting to present them together.

Race, Sex & Cinema: The World of Marlon Riggs

By Ashley Clark

Tongues Untied (1989), Courtesy of Signifyin' Works and Frameline Distribution

Filmmaker, gay rights activist, poet, professor, provocateur: the late, great Marlon Riggs (1957—94) spoke truth to power through his work in bracingly eloquent fashion. Race, Sex & Cinema: The World of Marlon Riggs (Feb 6—14) is an expansive celebration timed to mark the 25th anniversary of Riggs’ passing from AIDS-related complications, and the 30th anniversary of his best-known film, the seminal Tongues Untied, which opens this series on Wednesday, February 6.

2019 Winter/Spring Preview

Pepperland, photo by Gareth Jones

The 2019 Winter/Spring Season at BAM is an intriguing, diverse line-up of performances. They share at least one thing in common—they were chosen by Joseph V. Melillo as his final BAM season. The executive producer of more than three decades stepped down from his BAM position at the end of December, but has curated programs through June of 2019. This swan song slate embodies many of the singular talents and genres that have captivated audiences throughout his tenure.

A New Year Message From Katy Clark, President of BAM

Even for the most resolution-averse, the New Year is a time when we reflect on the past and consider our intentions for the future. At BAM, this is especially resonant as we are undergoing considerable and exciting changes.