New York, NY – The Paul Taylor Dance Company is set to return to The Joyce Theater with a special presentation titled “Extreme Taylor,” showcasing seven of Paul Taylor’s iconic works from June 25 through June 30, 2024. This engagement celebrates Taylor’s extraordinary range and his unique observations of the human condition, spanning two and a half decades of innovative choreography.
A Celebrated Legacy
“Extreme Taylor” will feature two alternating programs, highlighting Taylor’s masterful creativity from 1964 to 1988. The performances include:
- Duet (1964)
- Post Meridian (1965)
- Private Domain (1969)
- Big Bertha (1970)
- Runes (1975)
- Airs (1978)
- Brandenburgs (1988)
An Invitation to Experience “Extreme Taylor”
Michael Novak, Artistic Director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, shared his excitement about the upcoming performances, stating, “Extreme Taylor will give audiences a window into Paul Taylor’s radical, mesmerizing, and deeply felt takes on romance, evil, joy, and sensuality. When Paul choreographed a dance to celebrate beauty, the result was astounding in its purity, and when he confronted society’s horrors, stunned audiences simply couldn’t look away. This is a rare opportunity to sample the extraordinarily diverse spectrum of the Dancemaker’s canon, from the controversial ‘Big Bertha’ and voyeuristic ‘Private Domain’ to the poignant ‘Airs’ and exuberant ‘Brandenburgs’ in the intimate setting of The Joyce.”
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
Tickets for “Extreme Taylor” range from $12 to $82 (including fees) and are available online. The performance schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m.: Private Domain, Duet, Big Bertha, Airs
- Wednesday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.: Runes, Post Meridian, Brandenburgs (A curtain chat will follow the performance.)
- Thursday, June 27 at 8:00 p.m.: Private Domain, Duet, Big Bertha, Airs
- Friday, June 28 at 8:00 p.m.: Private Domain, Duet, Big Bertha, Airs
- Saturday, June 29 at 2:00 p.m.: Runes, Post Meridian, Brandenburgs
- Saturday, June 29 at 8:00 p.m.: Private Domain, Duet, Big Bertha, Airs
- Sunday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m.: Runes, Post Meridian, Brandenburgs
Repertoire Descriptions
- Duet (1964): This romantic duet epitomizes Taylor’s craft with simplicity, beauty, purity, and gentleness.
- Post Meridian (1965): Influenced by Evelyn Lohoeffer de Boeck’s commissioned score and Alex Katz’s colorful costumes, this pure-movement work replaces emotion with execution and form.
- Private Domain (1969): Erotic and voyeuristic, this piece is performed behind several black curtains at the front of the stage, allowing no two audience members the same view of the dance.
- Big Bertha (1970): Set in iconic American fairgrounds, “Big Bertha” reveals the horrors beneath the surface of a wholesome Midwestern family manipulated by a malevolent music machine.
- Runes (1975): Unknown rituals unfold in this marvel of choreographic power, summoning mystery, athleticism, and haunting beauty.
- Airs (1978): An interplay of lyricism and power, this dance explores relationships and romance.
- Brandenburgs (1988): Elegant and virtuosic, this work embraces the joyous atmosphere of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos.
Supporting the Arts
Leadership funding for the Paul Taylor Dance Company is provided by Stephen Kroll Reidy. Major support comes from the SHS Foundation, Jody and John Arnhold, the Howard Gilman Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and an anonymous donor. Additional major funding is provided by S&P Global, The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, and The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation. Public support is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Paul Taylor Dance Company gratefully acknowledges the estates of Harlan Morse Blake and Mary J. Osborn for their transformational gifts.
About the Paul Taylor Dance Company
One of the most iconic and dynamic modern dance ensembles of our time, the Paul Taylor Dance Company has been innovating and transforming the art form of modern dance since 1954. Known worldwide for its vast repertory, the Company performs works from the Founder’s canon, new pieces by today’s most engaging choreographers, and important historical dances from the 20th and 21st centuries. Dedicated to sharing modern dance with the broadest possible audience, the Company tours annually both domestically and internationally, offering performances and a variety of educational programs.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the breathtaking range and emotional depth of Paul Taylor’s work in the intimate setting of The Joyce Theater. Secure your tickets today and witness the extraordinary legacy of one of modern dance’s greatest innovators.
