Talking Heads’ David Byrne Curates Covid-Safe Rave

A return to rave culture comes in April thanks to former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.

Credit: The Creative Independent

A potential Talking Heads reunion was on the cards last year. However, differences within the group have stalled proceedings. But since 2020, a new socially distanced dance event has been organised. Curated by Bryne and Entitled Social!, it is a project of passion.

SOCIAL!

Credit: ArmoryonPark.org

SOCIAL! invites participants to the Armory’s Wade Thompson Drill Hall to dance in their own socially distanced spotlights. Moving free-form or in sync with the spoken choreography, audience members take part in a communal moment of cathartic release.

The event has been commissioned for the venue’s social distance hall. New York-based DJ Natasha Diggs will be mixing music, with a choreography voiceover from Byrne, just in case the crowds have forgotten their dance moves during Covid.

Rebecca Robertson, founding President and Executive Producer of Park Avenue Armory, has said (of The Armory),

“The Armory’s commitment to supporting and partnering with artists in the creation of new works that are responsive to society is a foundational component of who we are as an organisation.”

Source: Dazed

The Social Distance Hall exists as a result of Covid; the commissioned event has been born out of the pandemic’s effect on New York City nightlife.

Next month, New Yorkers will be able to come together to celebrate a communal, safe and multi- sensory experience which draws on the building’s natural acoustics and grand architecture. Also the armoury’s cross-disciplinary programming mission.

Check out the teaser below for a preview of the night’s choreography:

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