Just as I began my own foray into the wonderful world of dance-theater, I stumbled upon a show at Joyce SOHO last month: the charming and witty dance-theater duo Casebolt and Smith. These two California artists, Liz Casebolt and Joel Smith have been going about their business in Los Angeles, teaching, performing, and scooping up recognition. The debut of their first full evening program was delivered with thoughtful candor that kept audience members enthralled. The program opened with a "short two minute dance to start the show" which consisted of full bodied swings of the the legs and arms and light partnering. The dancers flowed in and out of lunges, leaps, and rolls. After introducing us to the facility of their bodies, the duo then introduced us to the facility of their personalities and their friendship. In " " we are told the story of the evolution of deep friendship. As physical proximity, eye contact, and the use of touch evolves, both dancers divulge more and more stories about their lives, personalities, hopes and fears. They go in and out of speaking to the audience, and speaking to each other, reminding us that they are both performing a narrative for our elocution and performing the very act of friendship for each other.
Two more pieces follow a short intermission. " " performed to classical music shows an accumulation of gestures that converge in interactions of aggressive ambiguity as the dancers make landscapes of little green army men at a plastic table. The piece is eerie in its focus and symbolism, the reaching arms reminiscent of wounded soldiers left behind.
Casebolt and Smith's work is both a hilarious glimpse into the personal and creative lives of artists, and a commentary on the role of the spectator as a witness. Go see them if ever you get a chance!
For more information please check out www.caseboltandsmith.com
