Last night 153 intrepid arts lovers pulled on their boots and made their way to Harlem Stage to fill the house for the first showing of Holding it Down, by Vijay Iyer, Mike Ladd and their ensemble. They were greeted with hot cocoa and settled in for 75 minutes to witness this infant work take its first daring steps in the world. It was a rich tapestry in the making; poetry woven through with sonic threads that revealed a process of exploration by a brilliant ensemble of artists and the potential that lies ahead. Followed by a wine and cheese reception, we walked out the door feeling blessed once again by great art and a collective spirit to experience it, blizzard or not.
At the top of the evening I spoke of The Gatehouse as once being the gateway to the city’s drinking water, water that now flowed under and around our lovely historic home. I spoke of how the spirit of that water blessed the environment and all we did at Harlem Stage. Last night, we were infused and enveloped in water in a cozy womb of snow. Last night was the birth of an important and beautiful new work. We invite you to watch it and help it grow.
To contribute to the dreams and stories of veterans, click here. Check out the WNYC piece on Holding it Down. the Keep an eye out for clips from last night’s performance and discussion.
Come on up for the next show, VAN HUNT – don’t let anything stop you.
- Brad
What an amazing show, it was very inspirational and educational. I’m looking forward to seeing how the work evolves!