Poetics: a ballet brut

The Nature Theater of Oklahoma is undeniably one of the most innovative dance companies in New York. Ok, so they aren't your average dance company. None of the members would ever be seen in Swan Lake or even at the Martha Graham Dance Center. Yet, somehow, The Nature Theater of Oklahoma's version of dance is more joyous and revealing that anything I've seen in recent years.
Referred to as an "awesome and awkward tour de force," the dancing in Poetics: a ballet brut is comprised of everyday movement we use to communicate with one another. It combines simple gestures, like pounding your fist into your hand, brushing back someone's hair, or even eating a slice of pizza to create fluid and meaningful dance numbers. Each dance seems to evoke not only specific emotions, but also represent simple moments of interaction that we all experience in our daily lives.
In Poetics, the members of The Nature Theater of Oklahoma, have created a new vocabulary, devoid of almost any actual sound. There are many moments in the show when the actors gesture frantically, desperately trying to convey their feelings to us. In the process, we see them love, lose, cry, and laugh. Poetics shows us the beauty and heartbreak of life in it's simplest form.
Aiding in the simplicity of the show, is the interesting and innovative use of the space. The audience sits on risers positioned towards the very back of the stage itself. This leaves the dancers room to use not only the rest of the stage, but also to run free out in the house. This leads to several surprising and hilarious moments, which may include the occasional performer falling right off the stage.
But what are these performers dancing to? They are dancing to perhaps the most unusual and unexpected combination of semi-modern tunes, which are an immediate source of giggling. The soundtrack includes pop gems like "DreamWeaver" by Gary Wright, an instrumental rendition of "All by Myself" by Eric Carmen, as well as Donna Summer's "Last Dance."
Aside from the surprising and exhuberant finale (which I will mention nothing of to prevent spoiling it!) my favorite moment in the show is Robert Johanson's solo, leading into the "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats. The perfectly syncopated movement combined with perhaps one of the most ridiculously great songs from the 1980's, is perfection. It summerizes the awkward grace of not only Poetics, but also our daily lives.
Poetics: a ballet brut, will be playing at the Under The Radar Festival from January 10th through January 20th. Get your tickets while you can (go to publictheater.org or 212.967.7555) because this show is not to be missed!


Katie Courtien
UTR Press Corps Volunteer

You can learn more about NTO at their webpage www.oktheater.org AND by visiting our myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/utrfestival. Check them out on our blog and by viewing my vlog interview w/ NTO founders Pavol Liska and Kelly Copper!