Lawrence Halprin is a famous 20th century landscape architect. He is responsible for the Keller fountain at SW Market and 2nd by the Civic Auditorium, a favorite urban swimming hole. He also designed a series of fountains and spaces on the ped continuation of 2nd going South from Market. If you have not walked there, it is a secret retreat. Anna Halprin, his wife and collaborator, has been exploring the intersection of modern dance, dance therapy and landscape. She offers workshops on the deck at the Mountain Home Studio, a home they designed in Marin. She is still active at 86, commenting that “Aging is like enlightenment at gunpoint”.
As part of the PICA TBA festival, Portland dancers and musicians have collaborated to create a series of site specific works on Halpern's landscape. The Third Angle New Music Ensemble plays minimalist work from composers who collaborated with the Halprins' while local choreographers provide their interpretations of Halprin's movement, considered by some to be early experiments in postmodern choreography. Local writer, architecture and urban design critic Randy Gragg is also involved in the project. The performance itself takes place September 18 and is free.
For tonight's ArtSpark!, members of the Third Angle discuss the project and entertain questions from the audience. Details at www.artspark.com At the Living Room Theater Bar, SW Stark and 10th 5PM-7 Free