Watch “Kolonial” a Dance Film Examining Past Colonial Systems
May 12, 2021
Since May 03, the Baryshnikov Arts Center via bacnyc.org, has been streaming “Kolonial” a dance cinema about the 1810s-1940s and early 20th century colonialism. “Kolonial” is the culmination of several years of research by dance choreographer Stefanie Batten Bland and installation artist Conrad Quesen. The free online showing of the dance film will last up to May 17, 2021.
The collaborative work between Bland and Quesen is said to have been inspired by the colonial exposition parks of North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Through physical posturing and gestures, the 20-minute dance film examines how the systems of colonialism justify exploitation, oppression and identity suppression.
The racial/ethnic film exposition also examines the behaviors in communities that have created barriers in COVID-19 isolations. Dancers perform inside transparent bubbles designed and created by Conrad Quesen to depict the COVID-19 isolation cages.
About Stefanie Batten Bland
Known for the emotional content of her dance films, which interrogate historical and contemporary culture, dance choreographer Stefanie Batten Bland is one of the first recipients of the Jerome Robbins Foundation award. Multi awarded American dance choreographer Jerome Robbins, had specifically given instructions that prizes should be bestowed only to a person, project or organization whose work in the art of dance deserves distinction.