By Tino Sehgal, performed by Frank Willens
How can a society learn from choreographers? (Untitled) (2000) depicts an image of a world where dance and choreography can inspire a society. Originally conceived for stage and danced by Tino Sehgal himself, the solo remains in the cultural memory as a “museum of dance.” The space of this museum does not contain objects, but movements and gestures of iconic dance styles. Now, fourteen years later, the bodies of three dancers confront the history of 20th century dance with the architecture of postindustrial landscapes.
With the mere presence of his body (unaccompanied by music, and without a set), Frank Willens allows new spaces to emerge for new readings and interpretations. What is the task of theater or museum in a society? Has the obsession for objects, for material values reached its end?
The art of Tino Sehgal is immaterial; it takes shape in the moment in which the spectator encounters it. Since 2000, he has been constructing live situations in which performers enter into contact with the visitors and spectators by way of movements, conversations, or song, inviting them to influence the structure of the work.
Tino Sehgal Born in London in 1976, Tino Sehgal studied economics and dance. In 2005, he represented Germany at the Venice Biennale. The Guggenheim, Tate Modern, and dOCUMENTA (13) have also presented solo shows of his work. In 2013, he was awarded the Golden Lion at the 55th Venice Biennale.
Frank Willens is a Berlin-based dancer, choreographer, performer, interpreter, and actor. He grew up in California and studied dance at UC Berkeley. Before moving to Berlin in 2003, he danced in the original English-language version of Notre Dame de Paris in Las Vegas and toured as a performer with Paul McCartney. Frank has collaborated with a number of protagonists the European contemporary dance and theater world including Meg Stuart, Boris Charmatz, Peter Stamer, Falk Richter, Tino Sehgal, and Laurent Chétouane. His most recent solo sixty minutes towards being here as well as his most recent collaboration with Peter Stamer will be shown per the invitation of the Goethe Institute at the Human Resources Gallery in Chinatown as well as in the spaces Defibrillator and Silent Funny in Chicago next week.
(contains nudity, viewer discretion advised)
Please note: Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. NO RSVP needed.
Presented with support from the Getting To Know Europe program, awarded by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States
