A Quarreling Pair, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music through October 4, is without a doubt the best Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company production that I've had the opportunity to see in person. Based on Jane Bowles' 1945 puppet play about two sisters--Miss Rhoda and Miss Harriet--Jones sets out to explore the "dualities between any two people and the struggle to co-habitate and live together against all odds."
While new media and design elements often compete with dancers for viewer's attention, Janet Wong’s video projections and Bjorn G. Amelan’s set are truly complimentary; these elegant layers heighten the emotional and psychological reach of the performance. Yesterday's New York Times review, noted another success of the show: "bandleader" Christopher William Antonio Lancaster. Claudia La Roca wrote, "A relatively new addition, and an exciting one, [Lancaster] offers up rich stews of original and appropriated music. He is joined by Wynne Bennett and George Lewis Jr., who serves as an M.C. of sorts and whom Mr. Jones should sign to a lengthy contract." The dancers were, as usual, enviously tight, toned and fierce.
Jones will lead a discussion about the piece with members of his company following tonight's show.
The Chocolate Room on 5th Ave is a great place to chat about the show afterward. I recommend the Brownie Sundae with Banana Ice Cream (though the latter is not always on the menu). Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge at just 63 calories a piece is also an option.
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