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| ABOUT TRaC |
MultiTRaC Spring 2006
Thank You and Good Nite
Thank You and Good Night's Unusual Arrangement "I'd like to present a toast," a graying old man interjects halfway through Monica Bill Barnes' Thank You and Good Night, standing firmly with a glass in hand, "...here's to good times!" At this moment the audience feels an urge to smile, each person finding a memory of their own that makes himself or herself happy. The performance frequently gives the audience a wide range of emotions as they watch with interest, bewildered as to where they will be taken next. Housed at Dance New Amsterdam, the feel of Thank You and Good Night's stage, designed boldly by Kelly Hanson, is striking and oftentimes oxymoronic. Four round tables are positioned on the stage in a way that allows the audience to feel as if they are a part of the room. Balloons drift in the middle of each table, streamers loom tiredly overhead, and confetti is sprinkled on the wood floor. While the party-like setting offers a sense of celebration, the dim lighting gives a surreal feeling, almost as if the stage is part of a blurry dream; the performers shadows often creep boldly on the brick walls. A jumpy opening whisks the audience into the depths of the performers' emotions. The first segment features two females dressed in long white jackets, who compliment each other's actions like mirrors. Their quick jumps, circular rotations and harmonious snaps warm the gloomy stage. While the pair continues to perform, an old woman enters slowly from stage left, walking to a table in the back. She wears a short purple dress with sequins that sparkle in the spotlight. We know nothing about her, or the old man that later joins her, except for the fact that both of them seek to enjoy themselves, even if just for the night. The couple watches the dancers perform attentively, and the audience will feel like the couple as they become attached to the performers in front of them. Most recognizable is the strong sense of unity between the four female dancers - they are paired with one another and share a bond that is highlighted through their actions. The couple, although they do not dance, shares a connection as they watch the performers. One will sense the interconnection between the performers in the first few moments of the piece and will continue to watch as the relationships on stage change and grow. Although it is difficult to understand the choreography Monica Bill Barnes uses, there is no need to seek only one interpretation that feels as if it is the "right" one. With a simple setup, Monica allows Thank You and Good Night to touch on many ideas, such as partnership, triumph and conflict. It is in the personality and experience of each audience member that determines what they will take away from the performance. As a result, Thank You and Good Night is both bewildering and captivating.
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