“And Then, Now”: An Immersive Dance Experience at Green-Wood Cemetery

Jody Oberfelder Projects, known for their immersive dance experiences of inventive athleticism, wit, and whimsy presents 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 will offer four performances: Saturday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Monday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. 

Please note, this is an outdoor event. In the event of rain, a postponed performance will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.

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 

And Then, Now, Photo courtesy Jody Oberfelder Projects