Experience the captivating dance/theater hybrid e-Motion presented by The Cherry Arts and Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company. This 50-minute performance will be live-streamed from The Cherry Artspace in Ithaca, NY, from May 26 to June 4, 2023.
Mesmerizing dance/theater hybrid presented by The Cherry Arts and Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company. Designed specifically for the screen, this 50-minute performance will be live-streamed from The Cherry Artspace in Ithaca, NY, allowing viewers worldwide to experience it intimately on May 26-June 4
e-Motion explores the themes of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and the human experience in a digital age. Choreographer Daniel Gwirtzman collaborates with playwright Saviana Stanescu to create a thought-provoking and visually stunning work that delves into the intersection of dance, theater, and technology. The score, composed by the late Jeff Story, adds depth and emotion to the piece.
The duet, performed by Daniel Gwirtzman and Company dancer Sarah Hillmon, tells the story of a neuroscientist who presents an AI creature to the world. Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the performance examines the consequences of creating sentient machines and the ethical implications of interacting with emotional AI.
Gwirtzman’s intricate movements are interwoven with Stanescu’s evocative words, blurring the lines between choreography and text. Their collaborative process brings together emotions, movements, and ideas, creating a captivating dance-theater experience.
In a unique interactive component, ChatGPT, an AI language model, was involved in the script creation process. The audience will have the opportunity to engage with the AI-generated responses during the live stream, fostering a dynamic and immersive experience.
To enhance the performance, So-Yeon Yoon, an associate professor of human-centered design at Cornell University, incorporates real-time data visualization of emotions and brainwaves. These visual elements will be projected onto the stage, further immersing the audience in the emotional journey of the dancers.
The Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, celebrating its 25th anniversary in fall 2023, has been dedicated to education and community engagement since its establishment in 1998. Their commitment to blending genres and breaking boundaries is showcased in their digital educational resource, Dance With Us.
Daniel Gwirtzman, an accomplished choreographer, filmmaker, and dancer, brings his signature style of humor, versatility, and charisma to the stage. With over 100 repertory works, he has received acclaim for his ability to connect with audiences and create playful and captivating performances.
Playwright Saviana Stanescu, an award-winning Romanian artist, explores the immigrant experience through her thought-provoking plays and poetry. With numerous publications and international productions, Stanescu’s work has garnered critical acclaim and recognition.
Sarah Hillmon, a member of the Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, has an extensive background in dance. Previously performing with Lucinda Childs Dance Company, she has toured internationally and worked on notable productions like Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s opera, Einstein on the Beach.
The Cherry Arts, a multi-arts hub located in Ithaca, NY, fosters collaboration and experimentation across artistic disciplines. Through their support of the Cherry Artists’ Collective, they create innovative and boundary-pushing performances that are locally rooted and globally resonant.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience e-Motion, a captivating exploration of AI, neuroscience, and the human condition.