INTERVIEW WITH CHOREOGRAPHER DARLA JOHNSON

 

This summer I became fascinated by the world’s largest iceberg spinning in place, counterclockwise, on what’s called a Taylor’s Column. As long as the iceberg turned in place it’s decay and eventual demise was delayed. But, In the process of creating the dance, A23a broke free and started heading toward South Georgia where the King Penguins breed.

 During the process of creating this dance I also became aware of an art installation, created by Johnny Walker, on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The wooden benches in concentric circles created a community space that emulated the iceberg spinning in place for me. Having the dancers perform the dance on and around the benches reaffirmed my vision of the importance of community and the connectivity of the universe.

The piece includes a video created by the Bomar Brothers(Grant and Dean), and original music composed by two artists: RP Watson, who plays live on stage, and Eduardo Duarte.