There are certain works that permanently alter one’s perception of the world; Lived Fiction is one such creation.
This company of Deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent, and Non-Disabled creatives, invites the audience to share in their experience of the world. Stopgap’s twenty years of creating inclusive dance culminates in the most accessible and brilliant work of dance-theater in recent history.
Lived Fiction cannot be discussed without touching on the care taken in ensuring its accessibility. Audio descriptions, subtitles, trigger warnings, encouragement to stim and adapt as needed all contribute to making this a truly accessible show. What I especially enjoyed were the floor mics that enabled the audience to hear the movements of the dancers on the floor as they slid and hit and shook; it allowed me to experience dance in a way I never had before.
This is a show of individuality, a celebration of difference and similarity. The audience is immediately drawn in by the performers’ visible love of their work. Smiles adorn their faces, enhancing their movement and binding the performers and the audience through a shared feeling of joy. There is no separation between audience and creative as each artist introduces themself through both words and movement, making it a personal experience. Their individuality shines throughout the show: Hannah Sampson is striking and sensual, Christian Brinklow flows like a gentle stream, Jannick Moth is energetic and playful, Monique (Mo’) Dior Jarrett commands our attention, Emily Lue-Fong is like sunshine, and Nadenh Poan soothes us with his quiet strength. In the moments of collective choreography, movement is performed in outline, becoming something beautifully different yet exactly the same on each dancer.
Lived Fiction features three group pieces, three duets, two solos, and a trio largely driven by Lily Norton’s narrative poetry. While each section was lovely, it is the duet between Emily and Nadenh that has become ingrained in my mind. An incredible display of intimacy and sensuality, the entire theater stilled and sat silent as Lily’s words flowed like honey over music and the two dancers melted into each other to create what can only be described as Heaven. It is a personal experience I find difficult to explain, but this piece is the nearest I have come to understanding love.
Love is actually the prevailing emotion of the entire show. Every movement is soaked in it. The artists clearly love what they do and that makes the audience love it just as much. You are guaranteed to leave this performance with a full heart.
I could speak forever on the brilliance that is Lived Fiction and still never be able to do it justice; this is a show that you have to experience for yourself. It is a one-of-a-kind work of art that opens your mind and your heart. I challenge you not to fall in love with Stopgap and Lived Fiction.