Anna Sperber's Sacrifice

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Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho once said, "Why is patience so important? Because it makes us pay attention". Anna Sperber's "Wealth from the Salt Seas" is a testament to this statement. The piece was deliberately static, disconnected and lengthy, which challenged the viewer to find intrigue in details and nuances of the work. The hour-long program tested the audience's patience before Anna Sperber even stepped foot on the stage. The house opened 10 minutes late, and in the small hallway of the Chocolate Factory, the anxiousness of the crowd was tangible. After the intimate set of viewers settled in their seats, Anna Sperber entered the room. In a monochrome, brown garb she slowly circled the stage, making eye contact with each person she was about to entrap. After minutes of silence, only disrupted by Sperber's deliberate …show more content…

While Sperber had a number of dynamic dance breaks, the most memorable parts of her piece were those that included unusual props. Her solos were either thrashing and explosive movement, where she would throw herself on the floor, or steady and subtle, where she would gently caress different parts of her body as if she was realizing them for the first time. Despite the beauty of these moments, they felt more like transitions than the main event. I think this was primarily due to her facial expression. In the New York Times, Sperber is described as appearing withdrawn and remote (Citation). She moved with a passion and intensity that was not reflected in her face. As Macaulay stated, "you watch in the hope of understanding her better" (Citation). Although the movement was compelling, her blank expression made it difficult for the audience to connect with her. Instead of watching her movement, I was preoccupied in understanding what was driving her. However, her empty expression was suitable for the sections that included props and enabled me to focus on the intricacies of those

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