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The Permanence of Impermanence
Yasuko Yokoshi presents Tyler Tyler
Yasuko Yokoshi’s Tyler Tyler
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The sound of the Gion Shôja bells echoes the impermanence of all things;
the color of the sâla flowers reveals the truth that the prosperous must decline.
The proud do not endure, they are like a dream on a spring night;
the mighty fall at last, they are as dust before the wind.
The opening lines of The Tale of the Heike (translation by Helen Craig McCullough)
Yasuko Yokoshi’s dance aesthetic is based upon the melding of cultural institutions. Founded in the traditional Japanese form Kabuki theatre, Yokoshi adds elements of American and international dance as a reflection of how these cultures blend together in modern times. The artist’s latest work, Tyler Tyler is another collaboration between Yokoshi and her respected master teacher of Kabuki Su-odori dance, Masumi Seyama. Having previously won a Bessie together in 2006 for what we when we, their newest piece is based upon the 12th century Japanese epic The Tale of the Heike, and will be performed March 17–20 at 7:30 pm at Dance Theater Workshop (219 West 19th Street).
Tyler Tyler takes the storyline and themes of The Tale of the Heike and applies them to present-day, parallel themes. Yokishi’s piece has been influenced in great part by the Buddhist law of impermanence, and she uses this theme to illustrate the often-futile search through violence for power and domination.
Tyler Tyler will be performed by six dancers whose background reflects Yokoshi’s emphasis on cross-cultural blending, including Yokoshi herself, two American dancers and three highly revered Japanese dancers and actors, each of whom trained for many years with Masumi Seyama. The performance will feature live music by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto played on piano and violin. The multimedia presentation will also feature a traditional Kabuki set design combined with video projections by Yokoshi.
Tickets for Tyler Tyler may be purchased by visiting www.dancetheaterworkshop.org/yokoshi.