New York, NY (For Release 2/8/11) --- Known for its emotionally authentic and theatrically diverse programming, Janis Brenner & Dancers presents its 2011 New York season led by veteran choreographer/dancer/artistic director Janis Brenner.  Following last year’s highly acclaimed production of 5 Decades, Brenner returns with 5 Decades II - another unique presentation of five multifarious works from 1929 to present day.  In addition to works by Brenner including the world premiere of The Mind-Stuff Variations with music by composer/pianist Jerome Begin, the evening will feature pieces by two of her major influences- Mary Wigman and Murray Louis.

 

Due to the overwhelming response of 5 Decades, Brenner felt compelled to succeed it with an even more captivating sequel.  “Our predecessors left us with such a vast dance repertoire,” explains Brenner.  “It’s our responsibility to share these works with the younger generation of dancers and audiences and help keep these gems alive through public performance.”

 

Described by the New York Times as a “witty, winsome performer,” with “meticulous artistry” (Village Voice) Brenner will dance two brief solos from 1929, Seraphic Song and Pastorale by Mary Wigman. She first performed these works from Wigman’s “Shifting Landscapes” suite under the tutelage of Annabelle Gamson in the 1980s, and last performed them in 2002. Representing the 1970s will be the kinetic, sensuous duet from Murray Louis’ full-length ballet Cleopatra (1976), not seen in New York in three decades.  Rounding out the program are three works by Janis Brenner:  a charged duet from Pieces of Trust (1987 and ‘89); a revival of the company’s signature work heartSTRINGS (1998) which coincidentally premiered at Danspace Project; and a world premiere entitled The Mind-Stuff Variations, featuring the full company. 

 

Commissioned by the O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation, Brenner’s new work utilizes St. Mark’s Church in a site-specific sense involving multiple “scenes” of spoken word and moments of improvisational dialogue and movement amongst the dancers.  The colorful, potent episodes will be dramatically resonant as well as satirical and humorous – typical of Brenner’s multi-dimensional choreography.  With an emphasis on self-reflection and the mind-body connection, The Mind-Stuff Variations is based on the concept called Mind-Stuff Theory of psychologist William James written in the 1890s.  Composed by Jerome Begin, the new score features a live performance by Begin’s ensemble of piano, violin, cello and electronics, which will incorporate live electronic processing of the spoken text, both as lyrics and sound. 

Brenner is an award-winning dancer/choreographer/singer/teacher and is Artistic Director of Janis Brenner & Dancers in NYC. She has toured in 33 countries and is recognized as a “singular performer” with a multifaceted artistic range. Honors include: NY Dance & Performance Award (“Bessie”) for her performance in Meredith Monk’s The Politics of Quiet, Lester Horton Award for Choreography in Los Angeles, Leach Fellowship for Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts, NY Dance On Camera Festival Award, and NY Foundation for the Arts Fellowship. Her work has been commissioned/restaged on more than 45 companies and colleges worldwide.  She is a sought-after teacher conducting workshops in technique, improvisation, composition, repertory and vocal work. She performed with Meredith Monk and Vocal Ensemble from 1990 - 2005 (recording on ECM Records). Brenner has been Co-Choreographer/Movement Director for Michael Moschen (including PBS’ Great Performances in 1991), a soloist with Annabelle Gamson’s company (‘84-’87) and with Murray Louis Dance Company (‘77-’84) working with Rudolf Nureyev, Placido Domingo, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Joseph Papp, Bat Sheva Dance Company in Israel and Alwin Nikolais.  Brenner received her MFA degree from Hollins University/ADF in 2009. She’s currently on the faculty of The Juilliard School, serving as Choreographic Mentor for the Choreographers & Composers course. 

 

Janis Brenner & Dancers has performed throughout the U.S., Asia, and Europe since 1989 and has been presented by leading NY organizations including Danspace Project, Joyce SoHo, Symphony Space, 92nd St Y Harkness Dance Project, the United Nations, among many others. The company is widely known for its guest residencies through- out the world, the caliber of its dancers and its “emotionally authentic” and musically diverse work. 

 

Choreography: Janis Brenner, Murray Louis, and Mary Wigman 

Music: Premiere work by Jerome Begin, plus John Reed/Hampton String Quartet, John Lurie/Meredith Monk, Joe Clark, and Hanns Hasting

Costumes:  Ramona Ponce, Susan Soetaert, Frank Garcia

Lighting: Mitchell Bogard

Dancers: Kyla Barkin, Esme Boyce, Janis Brenner, Sumaya Jackson, Luke Murphy, Christopher Ralph, Kendra Samson and Aaron Selissen