The metal folding chair is a career-long preoccupation for the New York post-modern dance legend and multi OBIE winner David Gordon, known for his elegant and often wry work. His latest piece continues this investigation of the most common of utilitarian objects in a new adaptation of the modern French classic The Chairs (1958) written by the father of Absurdist theatre, Eugéne Ionesco.

In The Chairs, an old couple attempt to pass on wisdom and life experience to guests who never arrive and whose absence is symbolised by a proliferation of empty chairs. The couple perform a partnered dance of half-remembered steps as they bark, banter and sing the text. The words fly. The chairs fly.

In this tragic farce, Gordon performs the role of the old man and his wife of 40 years, dancer and actress Valda Setterfield, takes the part of the old woman. They are joined by members of Gordon’s Pick Up Performance Company. The Chairs is performed in a new translation by Michael Feingold, featuring a commissioned score by Bang on a Can co-founder/composer Michael Gordon and with lighting by distinguished designer Jennifer Tipton.