Maida on Maida in the Universe – Installation Video

(2003) –  Maida on Maida in the Universe – Film Installation -projected  video features a selection of segments/fragments of video of choreography/performance by Maida Withers and the Dance Construction Company projected on stage as a powerful visual installation during the live performance of Maida on Maida in the Universe.  In the performance, Maida compares her creative process with select theories (notions) of the origin and demise of the Universe.  Maida spoke briefly, theatrically, about her work – an inside view of  the work and how it came into existence.  This talking/dancing was done “live” onstage in context with documentary videos of previous choreography projected on large screens on stage….a visual backdrop.

Of special interest was the use of the computer “live” on stage where thoughts about science, the universe, dance and creative process of the artists were being typed and simultaneously projected into the stage space, erased, then restated/retyped often making completely different sense as new words/thoughts are added to the sentences (science related). Keeping this spontaneous was an important choice – raising questions, deliberation, rather than a known text being repeated for each performance.

Withers likes a “live” aspect of performing and interacting with the audience.  There is often, in her work, opportunity for all artists on stage to act spontaneously during the event.  There are, of course, scripts or “frames” of respectful reference (limitations, perhaps) when engaging spontaneously and opening with audience members.  In Maida on Maida in the Universe, the audience was encouraged to openly ask questions to Maida, at times, during the performance.

Maida on Maida in the Universe premiered in Washington, DC and many of the works in the projected video installation had been performed in Washington, DC.  This possible connection to the audience of previous experience with the works on the installation, was of interest to Withers in the live performance.