There’s history here. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago was first presented by the Irvine Barclay Theater at UC Irvine nearly 25 years ago under the auspices of its founding director, Lou Conte. The company, since 2009 under the leadership of artistic director Glenn Edgerton, has moved from its jazz-dance roots to being one of the nation’s most stalwart contemporary dance companies.
So there’s history, but there’s also a keen opportunity to view a rare work by the hugely influential and gifted choreographer, William Forsythe.
The Chicagoans will present “N.N.N.N., “a mind in four parts” created by Forsythe in 2002. in which four dancers propel in space in a state of constant, complex connection. Forsythe, a theatrical all-rounder, created the work’s choreography, stage design, lighting and costumes. Underscored by the sudden flashes of Thom Willems’ music, dancers enter into a complex, intense inscription. Flinging arms, folding joints and a sharp, high sense of time mark.
Program at the the intimate Barclay, a favorite venue for dance viewing, includes works by Penny Saunders and two by Crystal Pite.
photo credit: Hubbard Street dance, William Forsythe, far right, in rehearsal with Hubbard Street Dancers. Photo by Todd Rosenberg for Splash
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago | Irvine Barclay Theatre | April 28