THE HANGOVER REPORT – I keep dancing on my own: SOCIAL! THE SOCIAL DISTANCE DANCE CLUB at the Park Avenue Armory is a cathartic experience for the uninhibited

David Byrne, Steven Hoggett, and Christine Jones’ “Social! the social distance dance club” at the Park Avenue Armory (photo by Mohamed Sadek).

This past weekend at the Park Avenue Armory, I attended one of the marquee theatrical events of this transition period for the performing arts. That would be SOCIAL! the social distance dance club, which was conceived by the enticing trio of David Byrne, Steven Hoggett, and Christine Jones – each in their own right important and innovative creative forces in the world of theater. The production’s concept is as simple as it is inspired – to replicate the sensation of being in a dance club (do you remember those?) in a completely safe environment. But more than that, the experiment is meant to be an initial step in re-establishing connection with our bodies (many of us have increasingly lived in our heads as the pandemic has drawn on) and re-introducing the experience of physically being in the same room as other human beings.

Although most know him as the Talking Heads’ detached frontman, Mr. Byrnes has of late turned his attention to music theater, having spearheaded such unique, euphoric projects as Here Lies Love and American Utopia. Mr. Hoggett, on the other hand, has singlehandedly redefined how theater moves since his unmistakable gestural choreography started gracing shows like the Tony-winning Once. And as for Ms. Jones, she’s one of the most ingenious scenic designers currently working in theater. Her concepts extend well beyond what we think of as traditional theater design, as evidenced by Theatre for One, one of her more notable brainchilds (and one that was beautifully adapted for virtual consumption during the pandemic).

Be warned, the pre-show safety protocols in place are extensive (even including an on-site rapid COVID-19 test), requiring audience members to arrive at the venue about an hour before showtime. But in my mind, the elaborate process is part of the experience. This includes being sequestered in one of the armory’s gorgeously appointed antechambers before being led into the massive drill hall, where your assigned room monitor marshals you – in a clever homage to the history of the building itself – to your assigned individual, socially distanced “spotlight”. At the center of the dance floor resides the DJ, who waits calmly for all to be situated before commencing the ritual.

The main experience itself is likely to be liberating for many. However, those who are inhibited and only minimally interact will probably get less from this bold exercise in immersion. The work implores audience members to take a leap into its charged, heightened world – part social dance party, yes, but also part communal therapy session. Social! features an accessible and eclectic dance track that’s been curated by the creative team and emceed by a pre-recorded Mr. Byrne, who spouts occasional instructions on how to engage in the dance-athon (which you may or may not follow). Personally, I let my body be my guide, which I found cathartic. Indeed, dancing solo within my “spotlight” induced a sort of contemplative state that, as in the wise words of Taylor Swift, allowed me to “shake off” the toxic memory of the past year – and have a blast (and a good workout) at the same time.

Certainly, the production’s design elements help with the immersion, particularly the swirling lights and an overall keen understanding of the epic, almost surreal dimensions of the drill hall. My only gripe is that, because of the size of the space, the sound design is in places muddy; some of Mr. Byrne’s prompts are indecipherable, as a result. The whole experience is reminiscent of Bindness, another highly anticipated hybrid show that recently opened in New York. Both are essentially sound and light shows that use the design tools at their disposal to suggestively but theatrically provoke a visceral response from participants. Maybe a new form of theater is being born? Although Social! is currently sold out, there is a standby line that forms prior to each performance for those eager to partake in this singular experience.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

SOCIAL! THE SOCIAL DISTANCE DANCE CLUB
Dance / Immersive Theater
Park Avenue Armory
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Through April 22

Categories: Dance, Off-Broadway, Theater

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