Trisha Brown’s choreography embodies a fluidity that moves almost imperceptibly, with dancers acting like molecules in constant motion — their limbs swinging, hips tilting, and bodies navigating shifting currents through space.
The distinctive nature of Brown’s style is powerfully reaffirmed in the current program at the Joyce Theater, where her dance company performs through Sunday.
This program features two significant pieces from Brown’s early 1980s era, known as the “Unstable Molecular Structures” phase, including “Opal Loop/Cloud Installation #72503” (1980) and “Son of Gone Fishin’” (1981). These works highlight intricate compositional systems supporting smooth, flowing movement.
Under the artistic direction of Carolyn Lucas, the company continues to honor Brown’s legacy while commissioning new creations, following a trend among other historic dance troupes. This season marks the premiere of “Time Again,” a work by Australian choreographer Lee Serle, who was mentored by Brown through a prestigious initiative and performed with the company for several years.
“Time Again,” credited to Serle with contributions from the company dancers, evokes Brown’s style through its spontaneous and expansive limb movements. The piece opens with ambient bird sounds and a striking visual tableau of four dancers seated on green rectangular mats. These mats are soon lifted to reveal woven panels that transform into doors, huts, and walls — an inventive set and costume design by Mateo Lopez, complemented by atmospheric lighting from Jennifer Tipton.
