PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Institute of Arts successfully launched their Black Box Series on Saturday, January 16 with Episode 1 entitled “Androgyny” curated by Jonathan van Arneman with work by artists Dashaun Prince and Kiara Vanterpool, preceded with a cameo introduction by the NIA dance company. These are bi-weekly shows (every 2 weeks) with different themes and art forms from residents and invited curators.
The audience gets to experience whatever theme the curator has in store for them followed by a talkback session where they can ask questions about the contents of the show.
Episode 1 explored the androgynous tales of accomplished dancers Dashaun Prince and Kiara Vanterpool in dance, video, poetry, and a drawing by Kiara. The talkback session resulted in a lively and interesting dialogue between the artists, curator, and audience. The audience commended the young dancers for their artistry and bringing forward a thematic which they spoke about candidly. A pre-show installation featured textiles. The audience was encouraged to feel the fabrics with eyes closed and talk about the emotions and sensations conjured by this tactile sensation. Curator Jonathan van Arneman and Director Arlene Halley were pleased with the outcome, attendance, and reception of the first show. Halley said she had been looking forward to getting this “arts-lecture series” off the ground for some time; an artistic stimulation of the intellect and the senses supported by dialogue embracing many topics. A platform for artist collaboration of all disciplines in the intimate setting of NIA’s Black Box Theatre.
Join us for Episode 2 coined “Finding your voice” by Joost and DJ de Jong, Saturday, January 30, at 8:00 pm sharp. Only 48 tickets are available before the show at 6:30 pm. All Covid-19 guidelines and protocols are enforced, masks mandatory.
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