In Performance: Morphia Series (COIL)

Helen Herbertson and Ben Cobham/ Morphia Series
Photo by Rachelle Roberts

Visitors to Morphia Series are led into the dark space two at a time and instructed to take a morsel of food and a tiny glass of wine before being seated. After this delicious communion, the dark and silent space takes on an exceptionally dream-like quality. When a soothing voice speaks to suggest the scene, it seems as if the words could be coming from inside one’s head. At only 18 minutes, this piece draws its audience in quickly, employing light, color, and movement to intoxicate the senses. The performers’ movements add to the surreality, at times so strange as to seem truly alien, at others inescapably asserting their humanity. Audience members are advised to take their time exiting the space; you may need an extra moment or two to return to the waking world.

Design Concept: Ben Cobham & Helen Herbertson
Performance, Text, Sound Concept: Helen Herbertson
Light: Ben Cobham
Morsels: John Salisbury
Additional performance: Michelle Heaven

Co-presented by Baryshnikov Arts Center and Performance Space 122

Jan 12 – 7pm, 7:45pm & 8:30pm
Jan 13 – 7pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm, 9:15pm & 10pm
Jan 14 – 7pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm, 9:15pm & 10pm
Jan 15 – 7pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm, 9:15pm & 10pm
Jan 16 – 6pm, 6:45pm & 7:30pm

Howard Gilman Performance Space, Baryshnikov Arts Center,
450 West 37th Street, Manhattan

$20

PS122’s COIL Festival continues through January 17th

Photo by Rachelle Roberts