Buglisi's 9/11 Table Of Silence Returns To Lincoln Center

Artistic Director Jacqulyn Buglisi and Buglisi Dance Theatre are honored to return to Lincoln Center for a 8th annual presentation of the transcendent "9/11 Table of Silence Project," a public performance tribute to 9/11 and prayer for peace and healing, conceived and choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi.

The title was inspired by visual artist Rossella Vasta's installation of 100 ceramic plates arranged around a symbolic banquet table uniting humanity. Buglisi transforms the concept into a moving meditation, a poetic call for compassion and peace in our world.

The tribute will take place Tuesday September 11, beginning at 8:15 AM. At precisely 8:46 AM, the moment when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower, the dancers extend their arms to the sky for one minute, evoking the simple gesture of universal peace. Spectators are invited to join in this ritual.

In partnership with Dance/NYC, Buglisi Dance Theatre brings together 100+ dancers selected from major dance companies and professional institutions including the Martha Graham Company and School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Ailey School, The Juilliard School, Limon Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Marymount Manhattan College, Steps on Broadway, and dancers from around the world who make up the diverse NYC artist community.

"9/11 Table of Silence Project" has been honored with *** a Governor Andrew Cuomo Proclamation for "uniting the New York City arts community" *** a Mayor Bill de Blasio message for "renewed commitment to building a brighter future" *** naming by Dance/NYC of Jacqulyn Buglisi as a "New Yorker for Dance" for building community through The 9/11 Table of Silence Project; and more.

The Dance Notation Bureau is creating a Labanotation score so that the "9/11 Table of Silence Project" may be preserved and faithfully restaged by professional dance companies, universities, and schools.

Since its inaugural performance in 2011, the "9/11 Table of Silence Project" has been recognized as a memorial of exceptional power and beauty, and has been commissioned for numerous memorial events around the world, including Exhibition at the Museo dell'Ara Pacis in Rome; the University of California/Santa Barbara to honor the student victims of the Isla Vista attack; Syracuse University in remembrance of the 35 students lost in the Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie; Day of Forgiveness in Perugia and Umbria, Italy; and the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women..

To date, nearly 1200 dancers, musicians, and community volunteers have participated; Live stream broadcasts have been viewed by several hundred thousand people in all 50 states and 129 countries around the world; 7,000 spectators have visited the Plaza for public rehearsals and performances.

Jacqulyn Buglisi believes passionately that art can advance social justice and, indeed, in the 9/11 Table of Silence Project, both performers and audiences experience the power of community through art. In the choreographer's words: A Call to Action: The dancers' passionate performance makes this message a powerful testimonial of freedom for all people and is an imperative at this time in our history. One step at a time together, we come closer to peace for all humanity.""

Mayor de Blasio echoes this sentiment with his statement: "This public ceremony is broadcast to viewers around the world, using the power of movement to pay respect and show renewed commitment to building a brighter future." The 9/11 Table of Silence is made possible with the generous leadership support of Jody and John Arnhold and the Arnhold Foundation. Buglisi Dance Theatre gratefully acknowledges funding provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; Heinz Family Foundation; Caroline Howard Hyman & Edward S. Hyman, Jr; Kickstarter individual backers, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.