Also this issue: Reflections Beth Lipman uses glass to recreate and redefine artwork of the past. -Robin Rice High School Reunion -Jim Weaver Sounds Like Progress -Juliet Fletcher My Lord, What a Morning -David Anthony Fox H.T. Chen -Janet Anderson

April 11-17, 2002

dance

Bill T. Jones

Dance

In The Breathing Show, Bill T. Jones tells the audience he's "come out as a romantic." For those who've followed Jones' career, that statement may come as a surprise. With Still/Here (1994), the dancer/choreographer explored terminal illness and mortality. In 1991 he premiered the politically charged Last Supper at Uncle Tom's Cabin/The Promised Land. Racism and homophobia are two of his most familiar themes. So Jones announcing romantic tendencies may be a tad unexpected. Yet there were clues along the way. Despite the fact it deals with death, Still/Here is exquisitely lyrical. And even Jones acknowledges age has a way of smoothing one's edges. Which is not to suggest the guy's turned soft on us. Far from it; The Breathing Show is a powerful solo piece where Jones displays his formidable muscular body control while coursing through a theatrical program of dance, film and monologue to share personal stories and reveal his deep socio-political conscience. At one point Jones' movements are transformed into ghostly images on a screen. Right then and there he changes from a strapping man into a member of the spirit world. As usual, Jones aims to engage his audience on many levels with a program that is both provocative and profound.

Thu, Sat. and Sun., April 11, 13, and 14, $34-$47, The Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Sts., 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

÷Deni Kasrel