Never Can Say Goodbye
TicketsThe Program:
“Never Can Say Goodbye,” a new performance installation by artist Stuart B Meyers in collaboration with Brandon Kazen-Maddox, reckons with what Pier 45, or Christopher St Pier was: a queer center for cruising, community, connection, and art. Before its demolition in the 1980’s, its dangerous, dilapidated structure was frequented by gay men from a wide range of economic classes, races, and abilities at all hours of the day. In this work, a constellation of intimate, ghostly choreographies unfolds while a soundtrack features academic historiographies, literary writings, disco, and the performers’ own thoughts about the pier’s longlasting impact on queer life.
Featuring writings by Fiona Anderson (Cruising the Dead River), David Wojnarowicz (The Waterfront Journals), and Edmund White (Nocturnes for the King of Naples).
Follow the artists @stuartbmeyers and @bkazenmaddox on Instagram.
The Piece:
Never Can Say Goodbye
Thursday, June 15th at Christopher Street Pier from 5pm – 8pm
Stuart B Meyers + Brandon Kazen-Maddox
“Never Can Say Goodbye,” a new sound and performance installation by artist Stuart B Meyers in collaboration with Brandon Kazen-Maddox, reckons with what Pier 45, or Christopher St Pier was. Once a queer safe haven, the pier was a center for cruising, community, and connection before its demolition in the 1980s. In this work, a constellation of intimate choreographies unfold while a sea of soundscapes feature formal historiographies, first-person accounts, literary writings, disco, and the performers’ own thoughts about the pier’s impact on queer life.
THE ARTISTS:
THE Festival:
The Summer Happenings Festival is A+J’s annual festival of free outdoor public performances devoted to performance art. Returning for its third iteration, this year is curated with artist Asia Stewart around the theme of Coastlines.