Brodsky/Baryshnikov

(Kultuurikatel, 13 December 2018)

In Reasons and Persons, Derek Parfit blurs the logical distinction between one's selves, past and future, and others. With identity interrupted, it is as appropriate to say goodbye to one's selves as it is to say goodbye to others' selves, repeatedly. Or one can choose not to look back and to inhabit instead the present self the best one can. Alvis Hermanis's play explores the former.

One gets much practice dying. In the process, one learns to attach oneself to something bigger than oneself. One outlines one's shadows with a marker in the memories of fellow travellers, present and future. If one does so skilfully, such memories are welcome.

Baryshnikov reads poetry well. He dances it well. His moves defy age. The emergent language is universal.

Poetry and dance are the only artistic media that demand the artist to be completely naked.