Making Art in a Time of War: Kurt Jooss' The Green Table (1932) in Weimar Germany and Today

A Discussion with Joanna Dee Das, Associate Professor of Dance at WashU and Hannah Kosstrin, Associate Professor of Dance Studies at OSU

In 1932, the Weimar Republic (or German Reich) was struggling with hyperinflation, massive debt, and unemployment, creating conditions for the rise of the Nazi Party. Having lived through World War I as a teenager and with the prescience to see the storm clouds of war gathering once again, German choreographer Kurt Jooss created his masterpiece, The Green Table: A Dance of Death in Eight Scenes that year. This satirical ballet explored the vicious cycle of war and suggested that the only “winners” in such battles were profiteers and Death.

With permission from the Jooss Estate, Associate Professor Joanna Dee Das has re-imagined The Green Table as The Scattered Chairs for Washington University students, who will perform the dance as part of WashU Dance Theatre December 6-8. Dr. Hannah Kosstrin from OSU joins Das to discuss The Green Table in its historical context and what it means to re-imagine the dance for our contemporary moment.

Sponsored by Faculty Research Seminar: New Research on Live and Mediated Performance

When: Friday, December 6, 12:30-2pm
Where: DUC 239
What: Lunch included; this event is free, but please RSVP to ensure accurate food ordering

Submit your RSVP Here