Roman Sketches and Other Works

Making its World Premiere, Roman Sketches is a spectacular synthesis of lighting, music, motion and visual design that re-imagines the artistry of modern-dance pioneer Loie Fuller (1862-1928). Jody Sperling’s trio, set to the lush music of impressionist composer Charles Griffes, harnesses a set of six moveable mirror doors which kaleidoscopically reflect, multiply and fragment the dancers’ swirling silk costumes.

In the spirit of vintage Variety, the program also offers the world premiere of More Cheap Tricks, a trio riffing on the exuberant antics of acrobats and contortionists captured in early motion pictures. The program is sure to amuse young and old.

Rounding out the event are two of Sperling’s solos: the virtuosic Hoop Act, in which she whirls first one, then two, then three hoops aloft; and the enchanting La Nuit, in which her glittering gown evokes a swatch of starlit sky.

“exquisite” — Elizabeth Zimmer, The Village Voice

“it was perfect” — John Rockwell, The New York Times

“David Ferri’s stunning lighting – in 44 colors – transformed [Sperling] into a bird, an orchid and a slowly burning candle.”
— Gia Kourlas, The New York Times

“tides swell, flowers bloom, and flames ripple before your eyes”
— Eva Yaa Asantewaa

“She might be a mother-of-pearl anemone-butterfly Christmas-tree angel, soothing and ethereal.” — Chris Dohse, NY Press

“‘Even before the conclusion of the dance, I wanted to see it again and again.” — Anastasia Soloveva, The Gold Ring, Yaroslavl, Russia