"Rhythm Bath" Premieres
September 14–24, 2023, we were thrilled to premiere Rhythm Bath, presented as one of six curated events at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Created in collaboration with set designer Mimi Lien, this performance-installation investigated together with neurodiverse individuals what makes performances welcoming to them. The aim was to create an engaging experience for all, innovating alternatives to the exclusionary practices of typical theater-going that require audiences to be still and quiet. Here’s how an audio describer conveyed the experience for blind and low vision audience members:
10 dancers dressed in shades of blue move throughout the contours of the space. In the center of the space there is an oval-shaped soft white floor. Overhead is an oval white fabric ceiling resembling the organic contours of a cloud. The billowing fabric undulates throughout the performance as contours move up and down in a smooth wave motion. Hundreds of strings of LED lights extend from circular openings in the ceiling. The lights twinkle and become more and less visible as the fabric curtain rises up and down.
Throughout this landscape, the audience moved freely while the dance happened all around them. Audiences could sit, stand, walk, roll in wheeled chairs, vocalize—just be as they are. At times the space felt meditative or other-worldly, other times more celebratory and joyous. After every performance, many people laid on the floor to enjoy the sound and sensations of the set.
The premiere sold out 14 performances, and received wide media attention—The New York Times called it “The most nourishing thing I saw” at the Fringe Festival. It was especially great to be in a space that accurately represented the world in which we live: neurodiverse individuals and people with disabilities made up a significant part of the audience. The feedback we’ve received has been revelatory, constructive and affirming.
A project as expansive as Rhythm Bath can only be possible when an extraordinary group of people share their skills, dedication, openness, intelligence and good humor to the endeavor. I feel lucky to have created this with Mimi, the entire artistic and production team, and Lisa Sonneborn at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, co-producers of the premiere and our essential partner in engaging with broad neurodiverse communities.
We saw what’s possible when artists, producers and funders commit to expanding arts access for all. We’re now focusing on touring Rhythm Bath, partnering with national presenters who recognize the importance of expanding access to the arts. And a short documentary film about Rhythm Bath is in process; we can’t wait to share it with you soon!
Image: Rhythm Bath, Christ Church Neighborhood House, Philadelphia, September 2023. Photo: Ashley Smith/Wide Eyed Studios
ID: Several dancers in blue clothing reach their arms and legs out under a billowing white fabric ceiling. Big holes in the fabric reveal sparkling cloud-like material beyond. People watch from various perspectives, standing or sitting around the space.