In the following week’s performance, “us.,” each piece will explore themes of identity and how it relates to each performer.
Bridge’s “Subject in Two Parts” combines a solo piece (performed by Bridge) and a quartet (John Luna, Lorin Lyle, Rebecca Sloan and Annie Wilson). The solo looks at the many layers of the self through different icons, such as Marilyn Monroe and Beat author William S. Burroughs. The quartet focuses on how we view ourselves through the lens of media. Bridge’s husband and the co-founder of , Peter Price, created video projections and composed music that is a mash-up of songs from the eras that Bridge’s piece reflects.
“explicit bodies,” Kosoko’s solo piece, tackles his identity. “It grew out of a deep conversation on black identity and what it means to be black now,” Kosoko said, adding that ideas from cultural critic Toure influenced his work.
“anonymous bodies” is the first collaboration between Kosoko and Watson-Wallace as the anonymous-bodies dance collective, although they’ve danced together periodically since 2006’s “House.” They have been working on this piece for a year and will incorporate memories they have of each other. “We were really obsessed with this idea of a shared memory and becoming each other. What does it mean for a black man to become a white woman, and vice versa?” Kosoko said.
Bridge sees many links between her work and Watson-Wallace and Kosoko’s: They all use technology in unconventional ways, and their creations have a social commentary angle. But there’s a lighter side too. “Our work is dark,” Bridge said, “but with a humorous side to it.” n
Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St. Pop-up shop, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, free. Performances 8 p.m. May 31-June 2; 3 p.m. June 3; $12-$20; thefidget.org, anonymousbodies.org.
Contact Molly Eichel at 215-854-5909 or eichelm@phillynews.com, or follow on Twitter @mollyeichel. Read her blog posts at philly.com/entertainment.
