“Performance resists the balanced calculations of finance. It saves nothing. It only spends.” Peggy Phelan, Unmarked
I am usually skeptical of nudity in most performance work I experience. I mockingly wonder if the work required a naked body, if the piece was any clearer, if it was all for shock and awe. With Disclosures, however, I was curious and excited to collaborate. And, you know what? I needed to get naked! Through sharing and shedding, what new associations with my naked body will I encounter? What different engagements with their own clothed bodies will the audiences experience?
For the past two weeks, I have been working with Choreographer Bruno Isaković and five other artists on a new performance for the Queer New York International Arts Festival at the Abrons Arts Center. The work poses questions about ways of undressing, about the various layers of disclosure that may or may not happen while nude. Personal histories and our relationships with bare flesh naturally mingle with stories of family and sex, impressions coming in from society, and varying modes of queerness.
I’ve taken my clothes off nearly everyday this month with these lovely creatures. It’s been revealing, of course, and certainly awkward and scary at times. And, I’ve learned an awful lot about my body through this process. With our opening on Tuesday evening, it’s time to invite the city into the space. So…yeah…if you come, you’ll see my naked body….
I’d love for you to read a lot more along our flesh and bones—certain queer potentialities, a different (better?) respect for the human form. It’s a five-day run, so no excuse not to come out once. If you’re really into my cock and balls, coming more than once is always fun!
Tuesday, September 22−Friday, September 25 at 8 PM
Saturday, September 26 at 10 PM
Abrons Arts Center | Underground Theater
466 Grand Street (at Pitt Street)
New York, NY 10002
Ryan M McKelvey 