'Time of Truth'--A Coming of Age Dance

by Rhonda Moore

Since its audacious beginnings in Edinburgh in 1947, Fringe festivals worldwide continue to uphold the tradition and commitment to presenting diverse artists and art forms in traditional venues and alternative spaces. Philadelphia’s FringeArts Festival, founded 50 years after its Scottish ancestor, doesn’t disappoint, with its juicy array of artists and works, ranging from the most touted (and funded) to the fledgling and everything in between. Local choreographer Heather Sirisky’s Truth In Time is a self-produced work-in-progress reaping much benefit from the Philly Fringe’s friendly, inclusive and community-oriented embrace.

Presented at a studio space of the    Equilibrium Dance Academy on South Broad Street, Truth In Time portrays childhood impressions of life in contrast and conflict with the epiphanies granted us as we grow in both age and understanding. Themes of longing, desire, trust, comfort, and celebration are presented through solo, duet, trio, and larger ensembles–all supported by a soundtrack consonant with Sirisky’s nostalgic reminiscing. The music of Michael Franti, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Mraz, Louis Armstrong and Rodgers & Hammerstein resonate in the performance space. Familiar melodies from intermingling epochs and genres bring forth diverse responses from the multi-generational audience. Music is present throughout pre-show, performance, intermission, and post-show, bringing into the room–much like a priest equipped with thurible–an atmosphere of comfort, nostalgia, introspection, belonging, and even anticipation, preparing us to receive this Truth in Time.

Sirisky’s movement vocabulary accesses long arm and upper-body reaches, smoothly sequential descents to the floor, geometric spatial formations, and rhythmic interplay of “in-between” beats and contrasting movement qualities. The piece’s strongest moments occur during the final act, where things start to add up, and the essential “eyes wide open” theme is unequivocally stated. Conflict, indecision, resolve, and response are physically and emotionally present here, the entire cast jockeying between individual and collective truths through solo and then intermingling movement phrases. People meet, exchange in physical conflict, mitigation, and resolution, then share knowing looks, and embraces, before moving on to new encounters. The seven person ensemble travels across the floor, perched low, stretching and reaching with arms and legs, reveling in liquid, magnetized amoeba-like motion.

Compliments to Heather Sirisky, an artist exhibiting the confidence, humility, and generosity to invite dancers into a shared space as collaborators. Compliments also to the ensemble, for its wide range of talents, promise, and possibilities. All so very Fringe!

Time in Truth, Heather Sirisky, choreographer, FringeArts Festival, Equilibrium Dance Academy, 1802 South Broad Street, Sept. 15-16.

(Dancers were Heather Sirisky, Tyler Benson, Heather Desanto, Justine Griggs, Abby Lamb, Tara Tucci, Gian Dante Verderose, Gregory Williams; composer/singer, Caitlin Alvarez; lighting designer, Alex Dossantos; and image designer, Emily Lamb.)

By Rhonda Moore
October 5, 2023