Artist Statement: Eryc Taylor

Eryc Taylor's Artistic Director Statement for Factory|Refractory

The idea for Factory|Refractory was sparked when I was in Aspen at an Andy Warhol exhibition with a 360' video projected Warhol's Factory nightclub parties. I realized that a nightclub was the perfect location to transport you to another era. I wanted to create an immersive dance theatre experience about a time that shaped my life; the infamous Club Kid era in the 1990s. Then came the deep dig into my memories and experiences. So, with my team of collaborators, I started developing my thoughts about the narrative and themes through writing, researching, transcribing interviews, and sorting through my archives of photos from the mid-90s. Once the central themes were uncovered, my team and I began active exploration through rehearsing, photographing, collaborating with guest contributors, and video documenting all choreographic ideas accumulated into over 20 hours of solo dance sketches. Like a factory, we refined and distilled the movement, message and feelings into the final product, an immersive, multi-media dance theatre odyssey!

At its essence, Factory|Refractory is based on my observations and experiences from the 1990s into the early 2000s. It is not entirely autobiographical but inspired by actual events. I, like the main character, played by Sashalie Rios, struggled with addiction, which was rampant and dangerous at that time, and remains a serious issue today. I am grateful to be sober from drug use for over 20 years. It wasn't easy, but I did the work to get there through various rehabs, doctors, therapists, support groups, spiritual practice, and loving friends and family. I am grateful that I made it out of the darkness to fulfill my dreams. My intention is to convey a sense of hope and destiny, not hopelessness and despair. Through our darkest times, we can find a guiding light that shapes our fate and life's purpose. I now have a thriving dance company that presents workshops and performances across NYC, the USA, and internationally. Giving back and inspiring others is the core of Eryc Taylor Dance and ETD Outreach, for I have been given much hope and inspiration.

The process has been heart-wrenching. I broke down and wept when I saw the painful moments and memories I had buried and moved beyond being explored through dance. My dancers and collaborators have been extraordinarily supportive. I wish for Factory|Refractory to be seen as a tribute to millions who struggle with opioid addiction worldwide. My goal is to bring awareness, acknowledge the pain, and show the light at the end of the tunnel.

Because it isn't all darkness, the 1990s was an incredible era! I moved to NYC from Paris in 1995. During that magical time, I discovered who I was as an artist through the inspiration I found in the hot throbbing music, neon lights, fashion, and dances from the clubs. It shaped my creativity, made me think outside the box and discover my destiny. We were on fire! It was a time when anything felt possible; true freedom was tangible, even addictive. Freedom from one's self, society's expectations, and politics and anxieties that dwell beyond the club walls. I had arrived in the city of my dreams, but often it was a nightmare chasing a high.

I am grateful we have the incredible opportunity to premiere Factory|Refractory at Slate Nightclub. Many thanks to the manager, Sam. It's been inspiring to work with renowned artist Scooter LaForge for our third collaboration of hand-painted costumes. Working with Daniel Tobias, who masterfully arranged the score and composed the last two pieces, is always an honor. I'm thrilled to work with eight new company dancers. Alex Tenreiro Theis, my Rehearsal Director, worked alongside me and helped tremendously to bring my vision to life. I'm thankful for Savannah and Liviya, who manage ETD's programs and operations, our Board of Directors, the creative and production team, and our patrons, family and friends for believing in the work. Many thanks to my talented husband, who helped me develop the narrative last February when I started this journey.

We're thrilled and grateful to debut Factrory|Refractory this evening at Slate in Chelsea, right around the corner from the heart of the '90s club scene, The Limelight.

~Eryc Taylor, Artistic Director of Eryc Taylor Dance