Dance, it’s said, is the hidden language of the soul. Celebrating the pure joy of it, the Joyce Theater will debut James Whiteside’s newest work, “The Tenant.” Considered ballet’s most daring principal artist and known for his theatrical and technical versatility, Whiteside created his newest work from the novel by Roland Topor. “The Tenant” will play at the Joyce Theater, Nov. 6 to Nov. 11.
Directed by London-based choreographer Arthur Pita, Whiteside, in his portrayal of the protagonist Trelkovsky, will be joined by his American Ballet Theater colleague Cassandra Trenary, playing the role of Simone Choule, and Kibrea Carmichael as Stella. Set in Paris in the near future, Trelkovsky rents an unassuming room where the previous tenant, Simone Choule, has committed suicide by jumping out the window. As Trelkovsky becomes fascinated by the previous tenant, the story follows his deteriorartion down a psychological paranoia spiral, ultimately succumbing to the same fate as the
previous tenant.
There are strong themes that explore the psychic terrain of identity, paranoia, fear, hysteria, obsession and possession.
Described as a “dance play,” “The Tenant” is set to the soundscape of Frank Moon, merging together contemporary and pedestrian movement, marked by a highly stylized vernacular. Topor’s novel—later made into a film in 1976, starring and directed by Roman Polanski—is seasoned with mature themes, violence, drug use, nudity and explicit language. “The Tenant,” which has been in development for two years, will create a cinematic atmosphere to pay homage to Topor’s literature.
“I have been wanting to explore this piece for years,” explained choreographer Pita. “When I met with James I immediately felt he was a perfect fit for the character of Trelkovsky. ‘The Tenant’ is so rich in its disturbing and provocative themes. I am so excited to witness this dynamic cast execute a profound journey.”
“This is not a vanity project,” explained Whiteside. “I’ve dreamed of doing a contemporary project at the Joyce—this standalone show has given me a rare and terrifying opportunity. I hope all will join me on this sparkling yet harrowing journey.”
Produced by Joyce Theater Productions, “The Tenant” is commissioned and created, in part, with the support of The Joyce’s Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Fund for New Work and its Artist Residency Center, made possible by lead funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
The performances will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. A curtain chat will be held after the performance Wednesday, Nov. 7.
The Joyce Theater is located in Chelsea at 175 Eighth Ave. and is accessible by the 1, A, C, E and L trains.