Dance and philosophy combine in the latest production by RE|dance group, the premiere of Michael Estanich’s “A Glimpse Through The Walls Where We Might Find God,” running through Jan. 25 at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble. “A Glimpse…” is a tacit sequel to “On The Edge Of The Fault Line" (2022), described by Estanich as “a parallel world or what is on the other side when the dancers ‘fall through the crack in the earth.’” The titular piece was preceded by two new works from RE|dance group members Corinne Imberski and kt williams, with scenic design by Sarah E. Ross and lighting design by Sarah Lackner.
“A Glimpse…” imagines a vision of an afterlife, a sparse plane populated by eight upright bodies dressed in colors from nature—cracked white marble, red and brown sedentary layers of soil, a green forest and red flower garden. Like ragdolls they sway back and forth, buoyed by a celestial wind. Dancer kt williams interrupts the serenity by attempting an escape, leaping forward like a ballerina bursting from a strait jacket but is soon absorbed back into the fold; meanwhile, the others adjust by gliding and lunging toward and away from the audience and up a short flight of stairs to a raised platform in the background. Six metallic scaffoldings dot the landscape, each containing square windows, like an industrialist take on the “pearly gates.”
Corinne Imberski and RE|dance group; Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis
The work is based on the five cosmological arguments for the existence of God written by philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas, and quotes from his “The Summa Theologica” (approx. 1267-1273) preface each section of the piece. The argument from cause and effect is demonstrated by a singular swaying body connecting with another, then they another, until single droplets form a tidal wave that lifts an anointed one high into the air. The argument from gradation of goodness is exhibited in a short solo by Lucy Vurusic Riner, Executive Director of RE|dance, who begins by coyly mimicking the sorrowful lilt of an Irish-style folk song, arms outstretched to the sky in a “Y,” then “degrades” herself by slinking low to the ground, hair falling in her eyes as she twists her body into incongruous shapes. The argument from contingency takes the form of the full ensemble united, charging forward and scooping the air— the suddenness and proximity to the front row of the audience gives a startling effect like a surprise in a 3D movie.
Estanich and RE|dance have succeeded in producing not just a work of art but a profound analysis and commentary on one of the most respected works of philosophy and theology and seeing Aquinas’ famous propositions take physical form and play out in real time is a delight.
Preceding “A Glimpse…” are two new works by RE|dance group members, “Your Stillness Resembles” by Corinne Imberski, and “soft grip” by kt williams and guest choreographer Caitlyn Schrader. “Your Stillness Resembles” is like a study in four parts as Imberski embodies four different personas confined to rotating quadrants that revolve around cellist Lia Kohl, who plays an original composition with upper register arpeggios that creak with overtone frequencies. Imberski begins slow and statuesque but soon blossoms like a flower growing over timelapse. The journey culminates with Imberski twitching and spent, with strength for nothing more than the slight turn of head and shrug of shoulders, a somber ending to an epic journey but… c’est la vie.
“soft grip” is a story of two lifelong companions. Wearing orange, frilly pants, sheer pink shirts and neon green tops, they begin giddy youths, but the weight of maturity soon bears upon them as their bodies are pressed to the floor by the sonic invasion of ominous chanting. They emerge reborn but on separate tracks. Their routines are out of sync and frenetic, but when one collapses, the other is there to lift them over their shoulder and, with trembling knees, carry them where they need to go. Both “soft grip” and “Your Stillness Resembles” are like watching alternate lifetimes, one affected by the consequences of isolation and the other of kinship.
RE|dance group continues to produce thought-provoking work, and Estanich’s “A Glimpse Through The Walls Where We Might Find God” is rife with themes, metaphors and alternate interpretations for the mind to chew on long after the final bow.
“A Glimpse Through The Walls Where We Might Find God” runs through Jan. 25 at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W. Foster Ave. Showtimes are Fri & Sat at 7pm. Tickets are $20-$50 at redancegroup.org or by clicking the company link below.
