Wordlessly

Is the love we feel for our parents different than the love we feel for our siblings? For our friends? For our lovers? For a pint of Ben and Jerry’s? For a favorite sweater? And if that love is different, why do we use only that one word: love? Each movement of Wordlessly explores a different facet of this concept.

The show is set to a score by Joey Weisenberg, a musician, singer and composer who explores ancient and traditional Jewish melodies. Joey is a prolific composer of Nigunim: melodic, non-lyrical tunes sung in group settings. In lieu of lyrics, a nigun uses non-lexical syllables, like “lai-lai-lai” or “dum-dai-dum.” Having emerged in the 18th century as part of the Chassidic movement, nigunim are a fundamental part of Ashkenazi Jewish culture. They are often sung around the table, or at festivities and celebrations.

Thus it all comes together: dance in a circle, to wordless melodies. Nigunim, like dance itself, serve as a universal language with which to examine love. And it all happens universally, the audience surrounded by dance and music.

Through her company Yonah Dance Theatre, Liat Roth has brought together 12 Kansas City-based dancers for an unforgettable evening of dance. You won’t want to miss it.