Three Bagatelles for the Righteous (1996)

Three Bagatelles for the Righteous is a suite of three dances to sound bytes of political and religious leaders, including: Newt Gingrich, Bob Dole, Bill Clinton and Pat Robertson. The piece explores the dichotomy of our leaders’ promises and the reality of the average American’s predicament. Leading into the 2004 presidential election the company revisited this work, excerpting and updating the roles of Bob Dole and Bill Clinton with John Kerry and George W Bush.

Performance History
Original Premiere: Playhouse 91, New York City – 1996
Restaging: The Joyce Theatre, New York City – 2004

Concept and Direction: Jane Comfort
Choreography: Jane Comfort and Company
Music: Klimchak
Costumes: Liz Prince
Lighting Design: David Ferri

Cast:
Original:

Rebecca Hermos
Larry Kegwin
Stephanie McKay
Suzanne Nice
Steven Nunley
Christina Redd
Joseph Ritsch
Edisa Weeks

Restaging:
Jessica Anthony
Olase Freeman
Aleta Hayes
David Neumann
Lisa Niedermeyer
Joseph Ritsch
Peter Sciscioli
Darren Wright

Funding:
The National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts and the Harkness Foundation for Dance. Part I: Bites was originally commissioned by Agnes Scott College, with funds from the Martha Wilson Kessler Dance Program.

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"The savvy and hilarious 1996 election-year Three Bagatelles for the Righteous is a deadly and ingenious cartoon."

-- The Village Voice

"Three Bagatelles makes its important point brilliantly."

-- The Rocky Mountain News

"Sharp of eye and wit, Ms. Comfort finds her strong suit in structure."

-- The New York Times