CHICAGO PREMIERE of IF THE DANCER DANCES at GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER

Friday, 8/16 at 2:15pm and 6:00pm;
Saturday, 8/17 at 5:15pm;
Sunday, 8/18 at 3:15pm;
Monday, 8/19 at 6:00pm;
Tuesday, 8/20 at 8:15pm;
Wednesday, 8/21 at 8:00pm;
Thursday, 8/22 at 6:00pm

Description: Following the death of his idol Merce Cunningham in 2009, noted New York choreographer Stephen Petronio decided to restage Cunningham's 1968 masterwork "RainForest," an atmospheric piece featuring nature-evoking music composed by David Tudor, silver Mylar balloons designed by Andy Warhol, and razor-slashed flesh-colored leotards designed by Jasper Johns. The challenges were considerable, involving not just the rigorous demands of Cunningham's choreography but also the ephemeral nature of dance itself, of which written notations and two-dimensional films can offer only approximations. Three Cunningham veterans were brought in to drill Petronio's dancers, who struggled with the late master's intimidating reputation, the physically taxing movements, and the dangers of falling into an accurate but lifeless imitation. Wechler's documentary offers not just a fascinating immersion in the creative process but also an exploration of general issues concerning artistic legacies and influences. DCP digital. (MR)

Receive a reduced ticket price of $7 by providing the code GSFCPARTNER online or at the box office.