Merce Cunningham 100 Solos
Boston’s own Danny McCusker and Portland’s Riley Watts, plus Vermont dancers Polly Motley and Laurel Jenkins, are featured in this international cyberspace extravaganza, Night of 100 Solos: A Centennial Event. (Check the website for the amazing list of performers)
Each of the three participating institutions—the Barbican, London, BAM in New York City, and CAP UCLA in Los Angeles—will present a ninety (90) minute performance comprised of 100 solos choreographed by Merce Cunningham. In each city, a former dancer experienced in creating Cunningham Events will work with an associate stager and other Merce Cunningham Dance Company alumni to impart the choreography to a new generation of dancers.
As was the case for the Events late in Cunningham’s career, it will be impossible for any one person to see all of Night of 100 Solos at once. However, reflecting Cunningham’s interest in technology, and taking advantage of the multiple time zones in which the Event will be staged, there will be a live-stream allowing anyone anywhere to experience each venue’s performance in real-time.
During the evening, a set specifically curated for each venue will grace the stage. Keeping with traditional Cunningham performances, each city’s performance will include live music performed by composers and musicians who represent expressions of Cunningham’s musical interests over the course of his lifetime. Former members of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s Music Committee are participating or supporting the evening.