By Liana Wilson-Graff
This week’s show at The Joyce Theater is a compelling departure from the legendary dance venue’s regular programming. German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark brings the potent, longstanding tradition of tango to this New York stage in a manner that loudly pronounces the choreographer’s love for Buenos Aires. With theatrical twists and a selection of new musical compositions, Cornejo’s unique artistic voice is strong despite its adherence to this iconic and unique performance and social tradition. Every dancer melts seamlessly into characters that can change piece by piece, or become strings that connect the impressive collection of works in this packed program. Shocking precision, near misses, flexibility, sensuality, and theatrics are the hallmarks of Tango After Dark. Cornejo himself performs alongside his longtime tango partner and tango World Champion Gisela Galeassi, and eight ensemble members each with their own identity and skills that will stun any theater-goer.
A mix of ensemble and duet pieces, everyone on stage pulls your attention in a truly magnetic fashion. This most certainly includes the live musicians and vocalist performing revolutionary tango composer, Astor Piazzolla’s, works that set a significant visual and sonic backdrop. Each song stands out with unique rhythms and the haunting sounds of Matis Rubino’s bandoneon — an accordion-like instrument producing unique discordant sounds with the power to transport you into the fusion of European, African, and indigenous cultures living in the urban hub of Buenos Aires. Piazzolla’s compositions highlight a sense of urbanity through sound and lyrics performed by gifted vocalist, Antonela Cirillo, that are complex odes to the Argentine city and entangle tango music with theatrical flare.
Each piece in this program has a distinct form of passion and energy that builds in unique ways despite existing within, what some may call, the confines of tradition and cultural authenticity. Cornejo pushes against this notion, proving there is much to explore and bring out in performance for any audience while honoring heritage and without departing from the genre where he is an undeniable virtuoso. Even though every moment in Cornejo’s choreography itself is so consistently acrobatic, strong, and often sensual, the range of emotions every member of the company portrays is impressive. There are so many little stories within the larger landscape of Tango After Dark. Much of the time, the contrast of surprisingly melancholic pieces are the most impactful.
Tango After Dark is a statement on tango in the modern era but is also an unabashed and fun throwback to what a New York audience would recognize as 50s musical theatrics, aesthetics, characters, and costuming. Tango can be highly serious. What is so appreciated about German Cornejo’s take, is his ability to use that intensity to bring out humor and honest joy. Our beloved New York City dance scene is incredibly diverse; even still German Cornejo’s “Tango After Dark” is able to bring something new to the table.
German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark is presented by The Joyce Theater Foundation (Linda Shelton, Executive Director) and is playing at The Joyce Theater from February 25-March 9. Tickets, ranging in price from $12-$72 including fees, can be purchased at www.Joyce.org, or by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street. More information
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