Getting swept up in dance theater production ‘Buried Giants’ by konverjdans
Our take
The recent premiere of konverjdans's *Buried Giants* at Triskelion Arts is a significant milestone not just for the company but for the broader landscape of contemporary dance. This female-led contemporary ballet company has long been a beacon of innovation and creativity in Brooklyn's arts scene, and their first full-length evening work is a testament to their artistic vision and dedication. Drawing inspiration from Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, *Buried Giants* explores deep themes of memory, identity, and the fragility of human experience, resonating powerfully with contemporary audiences. As we reflect on this performance, it's essential to consider how such productions contribute to a growing cultural dialogue about the role of dance in expressing complex narratives, akin to the ongoing conversations sparked by initiatives like Dance takes center stage in Lincoln Center’s ‘Summer for the City’ and the exploration of dancers' lives in works like Book review: Gavin Larsen and Gene Schiavone’s ‘Infinite Steps: Thirty-three Dancers and Their Lives in Ballet’.
The themes encapsulated in *Buried Giants* are universally relatable. As we navigate through life, the quest for meaning and truth often becomes intertwined with our recollections and the very essence of who we are. The portrayal of a couple's journey to reclaim lost memories invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences and the emotions tied to reminiscence. In a world inundated with distractions and technological advancements that often blur the lines of reality, this production serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of our personal histories. It challenges us to confront our pasts, revealing the beauty and pain that often accompany our memories.
Moreover, the multimedia aspect of *Buried Giants* adds another layer of complexity to the performance. By integrating various forms of art, konverjdans not only enhances the storytelling but also makes the experience more immersive. This intersection of dance and multimedia aligns with current trends in performance art, where the boundaries of traditional dance are being redefined to include technology in innovative ways. As seen in the growing prominence of dance in theaters and events, such as the upcoming honor for Katie Holmes at the ABT’s 2026 Spring Gala, the arts are evolving, and audiences are eager to embrace these changes.
As we anticipate future productions and developments in the dance community, it is crucial to recognize the impact of female-led initiatives like konverjdans. They are paving the way for new narratives and perspectives within the dance world. The success of *Buried Giants* highlights the importance of diverse voices in the arts, pushing the boundaries of storytelling. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how this evolving landscape of contemporary dance continues to challenge societal norms and inspire future generations of artists.
In conclusion, *Buried Giants* not only captivates with its choreography and storytelling but also serves as a mirror reflecting our shared human experiences. It leaves us with essential questions: How do we remember? What truths are we willing to confront? As audiences, we are called to engage with these narratives, allowing dance to enrich our understanding of ourselves and those around us. The future of dance is bright, and with productions like this, it beckons us to explore the depths of our connections to memory and identity more profoundly.
February 19, 2026.
Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY.
konverjdans, the female-led contemporary ballet company based in Brooklyn, presented its first full-length evening work in late February at the Triskelion Arts theater. Amy Saunder, Jordan Miller and Tiffany Mangulabnan – all three co-founders and directors – premiered the company’s ninth season with Buried Giants, a multimedia dance theater production, based on the 2015 novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The piece has an original score by Alexis Gideon.
In short, it’s a tale of memory — the lack thereof, our feeble grasp on it, the desire to reclaim it and the perennial search for its truth. The main characters, a couple, take a journey fueled by those aims and endure many twists and turns along the way.
There are projections on the wall, perhaps memories from the characters’ younger days, or future dreams. The editing reveals vague flashes, never long enough to quite understand the context, but enough to release a feeling into existence. An ensemble group of dancers serve as various characters who encounter the couple, sometimes in human form, sometimes not. In the same way our memories are strange but also make sense, does the ensemble morph between the real and the surreal.
There’s such value to this type of dance. Work like Buried Giants not only connects stories through various genres (book to ballet, in this case), but it also serves as a testament to how hard and relentless artists work conveying the human experience in ways that we often can’t describe. Dance, uniquely, gives us the ability to connect with feelings we can’t name, and mystical elements of existence that we can’t really understand. Sitting in the audience, this piece allowed me to release the desire to understand every last detail. Getting swept up in the thoughtful execution of art, for the sake of deepening our connection to ourselves, is a tremendous use of anyone’s time.
By Emily Sarkissian of Dance Informa.
The post Getting swept up in dance theater production ‘Buried Giants’ by konverjdans appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience