Ephrat Asherie Dance Debuts "Shadow Cities" at Joyce Theater

Ephrat Asherie Dance premiered "Shadow Cities" at the Joyce Theater, featuring a collaboration with renowned Afro-Latin jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill. The performance blends theatricalized club and street dance with live music, creating a unique artistic experience. The show begins with two dancers engaging in a silent exchange on boxes, which sets the tone for the interplay between movement and music that characterizes the hour-long performance.

New York Times

Ephrat Asherie, a prominent B-girl from New York's underground club scene, has a history of integrating street dance into theatrical formats. Her collaboration with Arturo O’Farrill, who is known for his consistent partnerships with dancers, brings a distinctive musical element to the performance. O’Farrill's presence enhances the dance, as he joins the dancers on stage, notably walking under a bridge formed by their arms.

New York Times

Critics have described "Shadow Cities" as a work that achieves moments of beauty and joy, aligning with its program note that reflects on the "beauty, vastness and joy of the in-between." However, the performance has also been critiqued for its inconsistency. While some sections, particularly one featuring Asherie and three female dancers in silence, showcase a captivating simplicity and harmony between movement and music, other parts lack the improvisational energy typical of club performances and the structural clarity often found in choreographed works.

New York Times

One of the standout moments occurs when Asherie and her fellow dancers perform a slow, swinging arm movement accompanied by muted footsteps, creating a soothing lullaby effect. This section is enhanced by O’Farrill's piano and Larry Bustamante's flute, which elevate the Latin sidestepping while maintaining the piece's gentle essence.

New York Times

Despite the moments of beauty, some critics argue that "Shadow Cities" falls short of its potential. The performance has been described as "patchy," lacking the improvisational heat of club culture and the imaginative power that well-structured choreography can provide. This duality of experience has led to mixed reviews, with some audience members appreciating the artistic endeavor while others find it lacking in cohesion.

New York Times

• “A collaboration between these two artists sounded promising, but the show is patchy.” — Critic, The New York Times

New York Times

In summary, "Shadow Cities" presents an intriguing fusion of dance and live music, showcasing the talents of Ephrat Asherie and Arturo O’Farrill. While the performance contains moments of artistic brilliance, it also faces criticism for its uneven execution, leaving audiences with a complex impression of the work.

New York Times