Hidden behind ad plastered doors, across from Jim's Steak Out, resides the Allendale Theater. Tonight I had the pleasure of entering through those doors to enjoy, Glass Garden, a production by Junko Hayashi. However, be advised that the event is sensory intensive and not recommended for the hypersensitive crowd. This combination of interpretive dance, narrative, film and experimental music creates an electric stimulation for around an hour.
This is not to say that the production was by any means vulgar or offensive, but I did witness a few senior men and women alarmed by the aggressiveness of the cross cultural portrayal. The intent behind the production was to express the alienation that comes with entering another culture after that culture has had a severe bought of technological advancement. Well, portray alienation they did.
In about ten chapters, the narrator delves into the transition from living in Japan to living in the United States. Every piece, or time period, was depicted through different types of interpretive dance with a live drum and electronics to enhance the experience. Graphically charged videos sprawled across the backdrop, lighting the dancers. "Each chapter extends the narrator further from the place that she was familiar with," says Aaron Pieszny, one of the many dancers able to express emotion and transition visually.
The theater is hosting another showing of Glass Garden, go with your friends and an open mind.
Saturday, July 14
8 PM $10
Allendale Theater
203 Allen