An American Rendition uses integrated text, movement and extended vocal techniques to depict the story of an American citizen who is kidnapped, interrogated and tortured in a secret prison while we distract ourselves with TV reality shows. Using the remote control as a theatrical device, the company flips from reality (too hard to watch) to Reality Show (WAY more fun) as they offer up savage parodies of American Idol, Fear Factor, and America’s Next Top Model, shows which feature humiliation that we find delicious. An American Rendition was voted one of the top ten performances of 2008 by both Thirteen WNET and Gay City News.
Premiere: The New Duke on 42nd St, New York City 2008
Concept/Direction/Text: Jane Comfort
Choreography: Jane Comfort and Company
Composer: Joan La Barbara
Visual Design: Steve Miller
Costumes: Liz Prince
Lighting Design: David Ferri
Video Projection: Jung-eun Kim
Dramaturgy: Jim Lewis
Cast:
Jessica Anthony
Leslie Cuyjet
Sean Donovan
Olase Freeman
Lisa Niedermeyer
Peter Sciscioli
Ellen Smith
Funding:
Commission by the NPN Creation Fund, the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, and the American Music Center Live Music for Dance Program, The Department of Cultural Affairs
