Theatre and Dance as Language

Can art be a form of language? Pathbreaking performing artists explore the question.

In this lively discussion, artists from across disciplines come together to investigate the connections between language and performance. Shayok Misha Chowdhury, Heidi Latsky, and Arnaldo J Lopez all consider language and expression in their work, from a play written in Bangla and English (Chowdhury) to dance performances that "disrupt normalcy" (Latsky) and community-responsive theater (Lopez). NYPL's Vandana Pawa moderates a wide-ranging conversation on the intersections in their work and the many approaches to art-as-language.  

Performance note: Be sure to stop by ON DISPLAY, a human sculpture court featuring dancers from Heidi Latsky Dance. Performances will take place before the panel, from 12-1 PM, and after the panel from 2-3 PM.

To join the event in person | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For in-person events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To join the event online | Please register for an Online Ticket. This event will be streamed on Zoom. To receive a Zoom link, please be sure to register! The link will be shared with registrants shortly before start time.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The New York Public Library’s World Literature Festival (April 15-30, 2024) celebrates books and writers from around the world and reflects the languages spoken in our communities. Discover what our patrons are reading in different languages, resources the Library offers, free events, book recommendations, and more.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Shayok Misha Chowdhury is an Obie Award-winning writer and director, born in India, based in Brooklyn. His play, Public Obscenities, written in Bangla and English, was a New York Times Critic's Pick and hailed as a “literary marvel” and “complexly layered masterwork” by The New Yorker. Misha’s many-tentacled practice in theater, music, poetry, and film has earned him a Princess Grace Award, the Relentless Award, the Mark O’Donnell Prize, Drama Desk and Drama League nominations, a Jonathan Larson Grant, fellowships from Sundance, and a Fulbright Fellowship.

Heidi Latsky, the New York-based multi-award winning dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, educator, and Artistic Director, is a leader in the physically integrated dance field. Her company, Heidi Latsky Dance (HLD), has created ground-breaking work for multiple casts of highly talented disabled and non-disabled dancers. With a manifesto that is dedicated to disrupting space, dismantling normalcy, and challenging contemporary views on the definition of beauty, HLD’s significant repertoire - including the critically-acclaimed ‘GIMP’ and ‘ON DISPLAY’ – have been seen by audiences across the USA and abroad.

Arnaldo J. López is an arts manager and strategist with a Ph.D. in Latin/x American Literatures and Cultures from New York University. He joined Pregones Theater to help carry out its first capital campaign and later helped engineer a merger with the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. As Managing Director, he is thought partner to Pregones/PRTT’s artistic directors, providing leadership in  strategic planning, program and facilities stewardship, engagement, fundraising, and board relations. Versed in a broad set of creative, community, and nonprofit topics, he serves the field through mentorship, advisement, and consultation in support of sustainable arts practice. 

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person

• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Online

• Live captioning will be provided.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.

CONNECT

For general questions, please email adultprogramming@nypl.org.

Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org.