Powerhouse: international – A New Force in New York City’s Performing Arts Landscape
New York city’s vibrant arts scene welcomes a bold new festival this fall: Powerhouse: International. Housed within the striking, repurposed Powerhouse building, this event promises a dynamic intersection of music, theater, dance, and installation art, curated by Tony Award-winning producer David Binder. This isn’t just another festival; it’s a intentional attempt to reignite a sense of international artistic exchange and adventurous engagement within the city.
A Venue as Inspiration
Binder, formerly the artistic director of Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) from 2019-2023, was immediately captivated by the Powerhouse building itself. He envisioned a festival that mirrored its raw energy.
“The building is arresting, with its graffiti-clad walls and expansive spaces,” Binder explains. ”it awakens your senses and invites you to experience work that is challenging, multidisciplinary, and truly adventurous.” This philosophy is central to the festival’s identity.
What to Expect: A Diverse Program
Powerhouse: International, running from september 25th to December 13th, features 13 events, each designed to push boundaries and spark conversation. the programming is intentionally broad, encompassing:
* Musical Acts: Showcasing diverse sounds and innovative approaches.
* theater: From traditional forms to experimental performance.
* Installations: Immersive experiences that invite participation.
* Dance: A core focus, featuring both established and emerging international choreographers.
Featured Performances: A Glimpse into the Lineup
The festival kicks off with Skatepark (September 25-27), a 2023 work by Danish choreographer Mette Ingvartsen. This piece uniquely blends skateboarding with theatrical performance, creating a porous relationship between performers and audience.Ingvartsen hopes to tap into the energy of a New York audience.
“When audiences feel compelled to join us, that means the piece has lifted energy from the public,” she says. “That’s how it operates.”
Other highlights include:
* Worktable (October 4 – November 9): An interactive installation by Kate McIntosh, originally commissioned in 2011. Participants are invited to disassemble objects, prompting individual interpretation and a unique experience. McIntosh’s work deliberately shifts focus from performer to audience,making viewers active participants.
* Larsen C (October 16-18): A U.S. debut from Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos.
* Fampitaha, fampita, fampitàna (October 28-30): Another U.S. debut, this time from French-Malagasy choreographer and dancer Soa Ratsifandrihana.
* Theater of Dreams (November 13-15): A performance by the acclaimed Hofesh Shechter.
* The Imagining (December 13): A full-scale dance party by Amari Marshall, bringing the festival to a vibrant close.
Addressing a Gap in the NYC Arts Scene
Binder’s vision for Powerhouse: International is rooted in a perceived shift within the New York dance landscape. He notes a decline in international work presented on local stages.
“We’re at a time when there are fewer opportunities to experience international perspectives,” Binder observes. “And walls are going up around the world, both literally and metaphorically.”
Powerhouse aims to counteract this trend,fostering a more globally connected artistic community.
Accessibility and Engagement
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, over 10,000 tickets will be priced at $30. This initiative aims to broaden participation and encourage audiences to explore multiple events. Binder envisions Powerhouse as a dynamic hub, a place where ideas collide and creativity flourishes.
“This is a meeting point, an intersection, a crossroads,” he emphasizes. “It’s everything that represents the artistic spirit of New York City.”
Powerhouse: International isn’t just a festival; it’s an investment in the future of performing arts, a celebration of diversity, and a testament to the power of shared experience. It’s poised to become a vital force in the city’s cultural landscape.
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