The Reclamation: Reggie Wilson’s Dance Exploration at NYU Skirball
Renowned choreographer Reggie Wilson’s latest work, The Reclamation, premiered recently at NYU Skirball. This poignant performance engages deeply with themes of memory and identity, blending artistic expression with social commentary.
A Journey Through Dance
Set against the backdrop of contemporary challenges, Wilson’s choreography captures a spectrum of emotions—celebrating both joy and struggle. The hour-long piece features a striking combination of movements drawn from his earlier works, illustrating how history and modernity can coexist harmoniously.
The Performance
Performing with Wilson’s Fist and Heel Performance Group, the cast of seven dancers, including the dynamic Paul Hamilton, deliver a performance characterized by its emotional depth and intricate structure. The initial segments see the dancers in moments of stillness and focus, symbolizing a ritual of shedding the past as they methodically remove layers of clothing—an act of reclaiming their identities.
Costuming and Movement
Costuming by Naoko Nagata and Enver Chakartash enhances the aesthetic with body-hugging outfits accented by bright colors, evoking a sense of postmodern flair. The movement vocabulary is both angular and fluid, featuring sophisticated arm movements, bending postures, and powerful jumps. Though the dancers often mirror each other, physical contact is notably scarce, creating a visual narrative of independence and connection.
Soundtrack and Atmosphere
The soundtrack serves as a narrative piece in itself, presenting a curated collection of songs that reflect the themes of the performance. For instance, Son House’s “Motherless Children” and Gladys Knight and the Pips’ rendition of “I Can See Clearly Now” provide a contrasting emotional landscape, as the dancers exhibit a struggle to progress—pied with subtle, dragging movements indicative of life’s burdens. Further, Tom Smothers’ “Helping” punctuates the choreography, echoing a sentiment of collective turmoil with its lyrics highlighting the desire for genuine support.
Creating Impact
Wilson skillfully utilizes the expansive stage to task each performer with building visual imagery that enhances the themes presented. Through strategically arranged duets and group dynamics, the choreography evolves; dancers often share space, creating layers of interaction that invoke a sense of togetherness amidst individual struggles.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the performance reaches its conclusion, the dancers pick up their pace, uniting in a dynamic display of movement that culminates in a powerful representation of hope and resilience. The final song, “Touch a Hand, Make a Friend” by the Staple Singers, underscores the call for unity—its repetitive plea, “Touch somebody! Touch somebody! Touch somebody!” resonates with a blend of urgency and compassion, leaving a lasting impression.
Reggie Wilson/Fist and Heel Performance Group successfully showcased The Reclamation on April 4 and 5 at NYU Skirball, demonstrating that engaging with one’s past is not only inevitable but also a pathway to growth and reconciliation.
