BAX First Weekends New Performance and Discussion Series

Nationally recognized for championing the arts in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Arts Exchange presents its First Weekends New Performance And Discussion Series. Following the performances, patrons have the opportunity to stay for post-show discussions with the artists. The performances featured are Angry Rants of the Disenchanted Foreigners, Parallel, and Learning to Listen.

Angry Rants of the Disenchanted Foreigners tells the story of two foreign-born actors who have come to New York to pursue their theatrical dreams. The hilarious, heartbreaking text is taken directly from interviews with actor/immigrants and arranged as oral history. They talk about their views of America, New York, and struggling to make it in the New York theater scene. Using movement, rhythm, and a comical debate, they share the intimate details of their unique American Dream.

Parallel is a unique aesthetic blend of vibrant, melodic and vocal scoring and purposeful movement, which is at once quirky, fierce, tender, and emotive. This duet tracks the journey of two individuals struggling to be themselves within the confines of their society and their relationship. In a world of formalities and presentation there is little room for a spirit to bloom.

Learning to Listen is a duet that explores the schism of communication – how we speak for others without letting them speak for themselves, how we refuse to hear, how we insist on our own structures of communication when others may be more apt. It examines whether the subtext in movement can be at odds with its stated purpose. When does a gesture mean “I love you” and when does it mean “I don’t trust you?” This piece includes robust, high intensity movement as well as subtle gestures to explore the intimate terrain of communication.