In the world of dance, few artists have the power to captivate and provoke thought quite like Beth Corning, a visionary choreographer and dancer whose work transcends the boundaries of mere physical performance. Her latest creation, 'Foolish Assumptions', is a testament to her unique ability to challenge and engage audiences, leaving them with more questions than answers. This 45-minute masterpiece, performed by Corning and her frequent collaborator Evan Fisk, delves into the intricate dance of connection, disconnection, and misunderstanding, all set against a bare stage with only two wooden chairs as props. The show's premiere last week at the George Rowland White Theatre in Pittsburgh's downtown area has already left a lasting impression, with four more performances scheduled until May 23rd.
Corning's journey in the dance world began in New York City, where she crafted 'Fill These Shoes', a thought-provoking piece that explored the complex relationship between a mother and her child. The pivotal moment came after a performance when an audience member shared his confusion over the casting of Ron Fowler as the mother, a revelation that sparked Corning's interest in the power of perspective. This experience became a cornerstone of her artistic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of challenging assumptions and encouraging audiences to dig deeper.
Since 2003, Corning has been a prominent figure in Pittsburgh's dance scene, leading Dance Alloy, the city's flagship contemporary troupe. Her work has been celebrated for its insight and inventiveness, and she has continued this tradition with CORNINGWORKS, a company she founded to showcase her Glue Factory Projects. These projects focus on original dance theater works, often featuring performers over 45, with notable productions like 'The Tipping Point' and 'STAND BY — an allegory'. Corning's influence extends beyond Pittsburgh, as she was commissioned by the SNF Foundation/Nostos Festival in Athens, Greece, in 2021, and her work 'STAND BY' was a hit at New York's La MaMa MOVE SERIES, proving her ability to captivate diverse audiences.
'Foolish Assumptions' is a sparse and powerful piece, with Corning and Fisk seated on stage, their backs to the audience, creating an atmosphere of quiet introspection. The performance evolves through subtle gestures, playful hops, and a poignant scene where Fisk removes and dons Corning's outer garments, symbolizing the intricate dance of human connection. Corning's intention was to create a work that excises sentimentality, emphasizing the importance of every breath, gesture, and look, ensuring there is no hiding from the raw emotions on display.
Corning's art is driven by a desire to share her questions and feelings, ensuring that she doesn't feel alone in her experiences. Through her work, she aims to shed light on the darkness, inviting audiences to explore their own assumptions and feelings. 'Foolish Assumptions' is a testament to her unique ability to transform the stage into a platform for introspection, challenging the audience to question their perceptions and embrace the complexities of human connection.
