Lisa Nelson and Steve Paxton conclude their Dia:Chelsea season

At Dia:Chelsea, Lisa Nelson and Steve Paxton unfold a lovely-mysterious environment right before your eyes in Night Stand, a 2004 duet first shown in the US on October 10. Mottled light pools in a spiral in the middle of the space. Two panels, erected and braced by the hidden dancers, host a spray of lights in the pattern of roe or tear-shaped bubbles that spill over their surface. These initial images slow the viewer's eye and breath. What transpires afterwards pulls us into a state both playful and prayerful with a mixture of liberating whimsy and empowering discipline. Both of these master artists of contact improvisation, especially the pixie-ish Nelson in her firetruck red socks and black watch cap, move with a consistent, exacting control of effort and an exquisite sense of shape. It is pleasing, and instructive, to witness the fragmented games they share on their playground.

With set and sound compilation by Nelson and Paxton. Lighting by Carol Mullins.

The final performance of Night Stand--tonight at 8pm--is sold out. For information on future Dia:Chelsea events, click here.

In the meantime, please enjoy this video interview with Lisa Nelson, conducted in 2008 in New York by Marlon Barrios Solano of dance-tech.net, edited by Ashley A. Friend.