“FACES OF SUN & WIND” EXPLORES CLIMATE ACTIVISM FROM A PLACE OF WELCOME
 

FACES OF SUN AND WIND is a new work from the Michele Brangwen Dance & Music Ensemble that explores the power of one person linking their energy to another, as in a microgrid set up to deliver renewable energy to a community that has united to generate it. The mircrogrid is also a perfect metaphor for how activism can start with just one person and grow to the power of the many, working together for meaningful change. FACES OF SUN AND WIND features choreography by Michele Brangwen and music by Jon Irabagon, with sections of movement & music created in the moment by all performers. The performance is co-presented by Ivesian Arts.

Michele Brangwen writes: “When the Amazon labor union leader Chris Smalls was asked “what is the single most important component of activism,” he replied: “to start from a place of love.” When you think about it, that quote is quite powerful. We have a lot of work to do to combat the climate crisis. I don't think we are going to mobilize in the ways in which we need to if we approach it from a place of shame or anger, but instead I think the progress will come from a place of love: love for each other and love for the earth. In creating FACES OF SUN AND WIND I wanted to create a work that would surround the audience with a feeling of welcome.”

The program will also include UNENDING, a work inspired by the music of John Coltrane, with choreography and costumes by Michele Brangwen, music by Grammy-nominated composer & trumpeter Tim Hagans, and movement and music created in the moment by all performers. UNENDING folllows the form of a traditional jazz tune, with set choreography and music to the head and bridge, and then improvised duets for dancers and musicians during the choruses.

Performers: MEREDITH FAGES, CRISTIAN LAVERDE KÖNIG, LINDSEY McGILL & MICHELE BRANGWEN, dancers; TIM HAGANS, trumpet; JON IRABAGON, saxophone; THOMAS HELTON, double bass; SAM KNIGHT, drums.

The Michele Brangwen Dance & Music Ensemble is a contemporary dance and music ensemble featuring all new choreography and live original music in a performing environment where dancers and musicians break the boundaries of traditional ensemble interaction. In 23 years, every performance has included live music and the musicians as integral parts of the visual stage imagery. We believe that the artist's role in society is to communicate, to challenge, to open a dialogue that can both unite us and inspire meaningful change. We function like a jazz band, and along with sections of choreographed movements and written music, we use improvisation that comes out of the form, concept, and emotional life of the work. The Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble is based in New York City & Houston.

"Lovely dancers & intensely focused musicians." - Mindy Aloff, Dance Writer & Critic

Village Voice Choice, February 2017 - Elizabeth Zimmer, Chief Dance Critic, Village Voice

"A joy to watch" – Adam Castaneda, The Houston Press

Friday, September 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

MARK MORRIS DANCE CENTER

JAMES & MARTHA DUFFY PERFORMANCE SPACE
3 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

ADVANCE PURCHASE OF TICKETS REQUIRED

Tickets: $25-$35 available at:

https://michele-brangwen-dance-ensemble.square.site/
www.Brangwendance.org