Jody Oberfelder Projects Brings New Immersive Dance Experience To Green-Wood Cemetery In May

Jody Oberfelder Projects will present And Then, Now, an immersive performative walk in partnership with the historic Green-Wood Cemetery.

This ethereal and somber production unfolds within the historic grounds of The Green-Wood Cemetery from May 4th to May 6th, offering a distinct and compelling experience that seamlessly integrates dance, live music, and reflective dialogue against the stunning backdrop of one of New York's most iconic resting places.

Guided by the visionary choreography of Jody Oberfelder and the enchanting musical repertoire of Glass Clouds Ensemble, And Then, Now invites participants on a transformative journey through Green-Wood's verdant springtime landscape and its permanent art and sculpture. With the profound power of resilience at its core and the interconnectedness of past, present, self, and surroundings, three dancers and three musicians act as guides, leading attendees through the cemetery's winding paths. As participants travel onward, they encounter site-specific performances at key architectural landmarks, each moment reflecting the diverse and storied history of Green-Wood.

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, The Green-Wood Cemetery, established in 1838, is a National Historic Landmark spanning 478 acres of picturesque landscapes adorned with hills, valleys, glacial ponds, and winding paths. Boasting one of the largest outdoor collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century statuary and mausoleums, Green-Wood bears witness to the legacies of its 580,000 permanent residents. Performance participants will visit landmarks such as the Pierrepont Monument, the resting place of the most important family in 19th-century Brooklyn Heights, and the castle-like Chauncey Mausoleum. Featuring an eclectic range of composers from Vaughn Williams to Missy Mazzoli, the immersive experience brings people closer to the world as it was and is, while honoring the art, history, and natural beauty of New York City.

“In this season of rebirth, amidst a challenging time for our collective humanity, we extend a heartfelt invitation to our neighbors to witness moments of exquisite artistry and profound reflection among the historic backdrop of The Green-Wood Cemetery,” explains Oberfelder. “Through dance, music, and dialogue, let us honor the enduring power of connection by bridging the gap between the echoes of the past and their tangible influence on our present lives.”

And Then, Now is sponsored in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, the Harkness Foundation for Dance, The Starry Night Foundation at the Chicago Community Foundation, Alina K. Roytberg Foundation, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Judith Hannan, Cheryl and Max Batzer, Eric Webster, Earl Weiner and many others generous individuals and foundations.  

EVENT and TICKET INFORMATION

And Then, Now will offer four performances. Tickets are $30 and $25 for members of The Green-Wood Cemetery. An $18 discount ticket is available for students, seniors, or artists by emailing events@green-wood.com. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.green-wood.com/and-then-now.

VENUE INFORMATION

The Green-Wood Cemetery is located at 500 25th Street in western Brooklyn. The main entrance is at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 25th Street, and guest check-in will take place at the Arch.

Due to the challenging nature of the performance route, this event is not ADA compliant and not recommended for children under the age of 10. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear suitable footwear.