Variable City
Performance art as critique on development of public square in Brooklyn, ny
Performance photo courtesy of J Mandle Performance.
Variable City was Julia Mandle’s urban design critique and political discussion on proposed removal of a community space facilitated through performance in Fox Square, downtown Brooklyn. Existing built conditions, traffic/pedestrian circulation, and communication of stories were all researched and taken into consideration during development while props, movement patterns, and costumes were utilized as tools to inform current and proposed conversations for the future of the public square.
During the course of a few weeks, dancers were present in and around the square with bright orange “newspaper” props. As they transitioned each week from street clothes to costumes they brought attention to the square through presence and action. Actual newspapers with information about the development project were on hand to distribute to those crossing through the square to bring context to the work. A methodology for the dancers to document their unique experiences and interactions throughout the entire performance was created in order to capture the impact Fox Square had on its daily commuters and local community and was exhibited at Van Alen Institute in 2002.
For a more detailed look at the project specifics, check out this interview with Julia here.
Performance photo courtesy of J Mandle Performance.
Performance photo courtesy of J Mandle Performance.
Initial concept sketch of performer engagement around existing site conditions.
Performance photo courtesy of J Mandle Performance.
Performance photo courtesy of J Mandle Performance.
Performance photo courtesy of J Mandle Performance.
Initial concept sketch of newspaper prop development.