Bullet Review-Is it Thursday Yet?
Perelman Theatre, NYC
4 years ago, then 33 year old dancer and choreographer Jenn Freeman, received a diagnosis of autism. It gave a name and definition to a lifetime of struggle with the liberation of finally getting a diagnosis.
At the start of “Is it Thursday Yet” at the Pullman Performing Arts Center, at the new World Trade Center, we are invited to read a copy of the diagnostic test results, projected onto a stage size screen as it is narrated by Freeman’s therapist Dr. Kimberly Gilbert. Ph.D Psychologist and Autism Diagnostician. The program informs us that Freeman identifies as she/they.
For the next 75 minutes, with the narrative power of Freeman’s, expressive physicality as a dancer we learn about their life journey with autism and the liberation of finally getting a diagnosis. The telling of this story is enhanced by childhood videos, props and the therapist’s voice from selected live recordings of therapy sessions.
The title, “Is it Thursday Yet” stems from the cherished day each week when childhood dance lessons. offered the joy of a transitory freedom from the symptoms, including its impact on sensations of touch and an inability to read interpersonal cues.
With co-choreographer Sonya Tayeh, Freeman’s dancing embodies the emotional pain of struggling with autism. The show’s videography is enhanced by electronic music and operatic vocals performed by Holland Andrews who interactively engages with Freeman.
Entering audience members are offered a palm size mesh bag with ear plugs, a fidget ring and a bar code to access an Autism Spectrum Disorder resource list “curated by therapist Dr. Kimberly Gilbert and Jenn Freeman.
There is no intermission but there is a performance pause as Freeman’s transcribed words express appreciation and invite the audience to stand for two minutes of dancing in place. The whoops of recognition from the young woman next to me, as she jumped to her feet, was a reminder that this profoundly moving show is not just one person’s story.
For a different take here is NYT critic Brian Seibert’s NYT’s gratuitously mean spirited review.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/arts/dance/perelman-arts-center-annie-b-parson-jenn-freeman.html
