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Broken Man
Broken Man is a short solo piece in which New York-based Stephen Petronio depicts a disheveled businessman expressing a disturbing mental breakdown, abruptly shifting from near-total immobility to jerky movements. Lyricism, emotion, and dread intertwine in this piece, as the shadow of September 11 looms large.
“…a breathtaking tour de force for Mr. Petronio… But what catches the eye and touches the heart are the sudden shifts from near-total immobility to jagged, elegantly tense and convulsive movements from one moment to the next. Both decisive and discouraged, Broken Man conveys an overwhelming sadness and uncertainty about life that goes straight to the heart of the memories and fears engendered by September 11.” – Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times (program)
“…his silky, dark allure was subsumed by the truly heartbreaking allusions he conjured. Petronio threw himself into a complex flurry of activity with the panther-like attack we know him for. More than ever, he was demonically lyrical, or lyrically demonic, nimble, muscular.” – Nancy Dalva, The Dance Insider (program)
Broken Man is part of “Etcetera… A Chronicle of Dance as Seen by Andrea Sitter,” a collection of dance excerpts recounting the great choreographies of the 20th century.
“To bring forth words from dance and dance from words” – Andrea Sitter
Source: CCN – Ballet de Lorraine (2009-2010 program)
