Submitted by Northrop | 11/18/10
Thanks to all for attending the performance of Minneapolis-based Emily Johnson | Catalyst + BLACKFISH. What was your reaction to her unique way of interacting with the audience? What were your own emotions about home and displacement? How did the music of James Everest and Joel Pickard complement the performance? Join in the conversation by posting your feedback. View our photos from related events on Flickr.
Subscribe to Blog
Comments
Thinkyou Bar
Stellar production and performance. The synergy of the music, dance, text, lighting, and staging made for a transformative experience. The use of the theater was brilliant, giving a visual dimension that hauntingly underscored the themes of the work. There were many moments when I felt I was inside a dreamscape, such as Emily's entrance on stilts and all three performers sing Patsy Cline's I Fall To Pieces. I loved the questions/struggles around identity and fear and the silencing effect of racism, which felt authentic not didactic or surface. I loved the stories and use of story and will forever have the image of the melting blackfish in my mind. The dance solo by Emily that happened after the audience turned our seats to face the other way, before Sally joined in, was deeply moving. The gesture of hand to heart and then out, repeated with such intensity, did reach my heart. This work that reminds me why I love art.
thank you bar
A fabulous performance and a truly innovative and perfect way to stage the show. We felt very lucky to be a part of this. Thank you so much. My only criticism is that I didn't care for the photographer taking pictures during the entire performance. Really distracting. Unless it was part of the show, in a self-referential post-modern kind of way... Thanks again Emily, Blackfish and Northrop.
great art
This show was outstanding. The performance has stayed with us for many days. We felt very lucky to be part of this. You could feel that Emily enjoyed sharing this. The music was hypnotically nostalgic and new at the same time. The paintings' level of displacement was balanced by Emily's ability to connect with the audience. This was art that wasn't bitter or sad or grotesque; it never tried to shock us to get our attention and that was incredibly refreshing and appreciated. ThankYOU!
continues
the performance is still with me.I feel like i am still watching it in a way, seeing/sensing different things. wish i could come again. thank you thank you bar.
What a moving performance!
What a moving performance! Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thank you
I was moved by last night’s performance of The Thank-You Bar. The melding of thoughtful reflection, images and subtle music were a beautiful compliment to the wholly personal and innovative movement. The quiet layering and weaving of sound and stories spoke to me deeply and inspires me to create and consider my world in new ways. Ms. Johnson has generously shared herself, her story and her beautifully creative gifts and for that I am thankful.
Thank You bar
Loved the performance, it was thoughtful and heart provoking, warm, connected, original and beautiful. To Emily James and Joel, all the best and thanks for sharing your creative, open spirit's with us!
Catalyst/ Blackfish
What a luminous, powerful, uplifting performance! The beautiful soundscapes of Blackfish were transporting. Emily has such a potent, positive, generous spirit. She radiates love and hope. A playful, provocative, subversive, progressive warrior! Thank you indeed!
Brilliant
Brilliant, illuminating, wonderful, powerful, sad, thoughtful, charming. Thank you for moments I will not forget.
the art was outstanding and
the art was outstanding and helped me understand how ruthless and cruel trhe treatment of indians was and in many cases still exists. I thought the performance was riveting and certainly surpassed my expectations.
Besides the thought provoking
Besides the thought provoking images at the 3rd floor exhibit...the intriguing musical introduction...besides the wonderous body work...besides the interesting use of the Northrop stage...besides the incredible storytelling centered around the theme of dislocation...the whole comes together as a genius work of creativity. Don't miss this! Thanks, Emily and James and Joel and added dancer!