Wexner Prize Symposium

Learn more about the impact and revolutionary force of William Forsythe's choreographic work from film director Mike Figgis, choreographer John Jasperse, critic and curator Louise Neri, and dance critic Roslyn Sulcas. Choreographer Senta Driver, an OSU alumna, serves as moderator.

The symposium begins with a screening of Just Dancing Around? William Forsythe, Mike Figgis's intimate film portrait of Forsythe at work with the Frankfurt Ballet. A lively discussion follows with each panelist offering insights on Forsythe from his or her own perspective.

Mike Figgis followed Forsythe and the Frankfurt Ballet through rehearsals and productions to create Just Dancing Around for Channel 4 in England. The Oscar-nominated director is also known for such films as Stormy Monday (1987), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), and Timecode (1999).

John Jasperse, a leading choreographer and artistic director of John Jasperse Company since 1985, has been described as one of the most fascinating dance makers of today. His work Giant Empty, performed at the Wexner Center in 2001, was co-commissioned by Forsythe and the Frankfurt Ballet.

Louise Neri is an editor, curator, and writer currently based in Paris. She is collaborating with William Forsythe on an interdisciplinary project and related publication exploring the relationship between art, praxis, and politics, beginning at the Theater am Turm, Frankfurt, in January 2003.

Roslyn Sulcas is a freelance dance critic for publications including the New York Times, Village Voice, Elle, Dance International, and Dance Magazine. She began writing about dance after seeing William Forsythe's work for the first time and is currently working on a book about the choreographer.

Senta Driver, a pioneering choreographer and alumna of Ohio State, danced with the Paul Taylor Dance Company before forming her own company, HARRY Dance and Other Works by Senta Driver, which operated from 1975 until 1991. In 1999 she edited a special issue of the British journal Choreography and Dance on Forsythe.