I had the immense pleasure of performing at Baryshnikov Arts this past year in SISSY. It was a modern adaptation of Sisyphus that incorporated dance, acting, music, and a real baby. When creator Celia Rowlson-Hall asked me to join the project and company of dancers and actors, I was exhilarated and intimidated. Most of my work in the theatre has focused on new play development. Working on and finding a text and the way in which it lands on an audience can be a very cerebral process. Even when it’s very physical, I never find myself in a room with dancers and I’m never asked to dance. Here was an opportunity to do both. And hold that baby. On my first day of dance rehearsal, another actor in the play said that sometimes Baryshnikov pokes his head in and watches for a bit. I was shocked.
“Like, Baryshnikov Baryshnikov?”
“Yeah, like Baryshnikov Baryshnikov.”
For four weeks I would walk into the beautiful studios on West 37th Street and warm up and spend the day dancing and acting and finding SISSY. It was such an incredibly creative month and stimulating time. To share a stage with fellow artists that are versed in the same vocabulary of collaboration but through a different discipline made me a better, deeper actor. I can’t think of the last space or process I was in that encouraged this much interdisciplinary play. That seems to be a cornerstone of this center. For twenty years they have encouraged bold innovative work. They are unique and singular.
This experience could not have happened without the artists running Baryshnikov Arts or without the space. I felt so taken care of. The studios are beautifully maintained, and walking into the spaces encourages creativity. The building is one you want to spend time in, and that led to deeper connection. Sharing lunches in the lounges, gathering at the picnic tables outside, celebrating in gorgeous communal areas.
Artists need opportunities and community. Baryshnikov Arts offers both. I was so honored and grateful to share in this space and community.
—Zoë Winters
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