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Johari Mayfield at Dance Theater Workshop
The energetic dancer-choreographer presents a work in progress
Johari Mayfield in The Sea Inside (Photo: Joanne Levey)
Gods, goddesses and nymphs of Greek mythology have provided many enchanting and compelling stories for dance. Choreographers indulge themselves in the rich and complex tales, reenacting the literal story or utilizing the fable as a catalyst into their thoughts. It certainly worked for Martha Graham.
Inspired and loosely based off the story of Echo and Narcissus, a reflection upon unrequited love, choreographer Johari Mayfield will present The Sea Inside. “It’s in relation to a mother/daughter relationship and how that has informed me. It’s autobiographical, it’s about communication and lack of communication,” says Johari Mayfield. “I found these two stories were interesting in isolation, but put together, Echo chasing Narcissus and Narcissus not responding, it’s like my relationship with my mother, speaking and not being heard or only half of what I say landed.”
A unique opportunity to view a work in progress, Mayfield’s performance on June 26–27 at Dance Theater Workshop is part of their Studio Series, which grants a 100-hour residency and stipend to artists developing new dance works. “It has been a process oriented residency. I like to have a plan going in and I did, but I’m learning that I have to let go of being fixed on what something should be.”
Mayfield is a New York-based dancer, choreographer and teacher recognized for her multi-disciplinary performances. Choreographing for herself and other companies throughout the U.S. and abroad, her works thrive off an energetic and youthful spirit. Influenced by the practicality and wholly unaffected quality of children, Mayfield’s performances are regarded as bold—and she, devoted. “[Children] are not attached to an outcome,” says Mayfield. “If something doesn’t work, get rid of it. They are in a state of discovery, not attaching to any kind of perfection.”
The basis of her new work, however, is no child’s play. The Sea Inside is said to blend “movement, narrative and technology,” and “explores the ripple effect of past memory and its influence on one’s evolution.” “There are two dancers and myself, and in the last section I am going to mic the floor,” Mayfield adds. Recording what has happened previously in the dance, the scrapping of her movements, Mayfield will dance to the sounds.
Her performances will provide a stimulating premise and rare look into the creative process. Initiatives like The Studio Series award choreographers with a beneficial opportunity as well as a venue, and audiences a fresh dance experience.