Visit humorphous.com for a photos, video, and a fuller expression of the production.

takes place around and within the exhibits of a zoo, and encourages contemplation and spontaneous participation by the public.  Dancers express the behavior of different species as accurately as possible without the use of costume disguises.  Dancers also sing, dance, and respond like humans.  The project’s thought-provoking humor invites zoo visitors to stay longer, re-framing the experience of the zoo and the animals.

all day, continuous

Dancers (in 2007)
Toby Billowitz, Chloe Douglas, Christopher Daftsios, Philippa Kaye, Mika Lillet Lior, Amir Levi, Pauliina Silvennoinen, Mindy Toro

Costumes
Philippa Kaye

Performances
Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn;  summer 2007, 2008, 2009

Humorphous was conceived with a fascination of animal behavior in conjunction with the interesting spaces and contextual meanings of a zoo.  This fascination was initiated by Philippa’s experience at an artists’ retreat to White Oak Artist Residency in Northern Florida and subsequent trip to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo.  White Oak Conservation Center breeds endangered animals to release back into the wild.  Zoos breed animals for the conservation of species, our entertainment and education.

Made possible with residencies at White Oak Dance Residency and Dragon’s Egg, and with funding from Brooklyn Arts Council regrant program and the Wildlife Conservation Society.