Subway Windows

“Subway Windows,” performed at Gold Hall, Hewlett Woodemere Library “Subway Windows,”takes its inspiration from “The Subway Series” paintings by contemporary visual artist Ilene Isseks. The artwork is displayed in the background imagery throughout the piece. In the work, groups of diverse subway riders attempt to engage in the NYC ritual of ignoring each other. As the subway proceeds the riders’ anonymity dissolves, personalities emerge, and interactions occur. The interactions are at times humorous and at other times profound, the riders have found a mutual space where they are authentic, learn about each other and develop rich, albeit transient, relationships. As their destinations approach, the riders begin to revert to their original guarded selves, before bursting into a frenzied celebration of the subway and city that never sleeps. Directed by choreographer Beth Jucovy, the work is created in collaboration with the eight diverse dancers/choreographers. Video montage created by Anthony Pepitone from The Subway Series by Ilene Isseks, and photos of the dancers by Abby Dias. t