What to Know
- Table of Silence Project 9/11 is a free performance hosted at Lincoln Center honoring the lives lost during the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001
- In partnership with Buglisi Dance Theatre and Dance/NYC, artistic collaborators reimagined this year's project for the 20th anniversary
- The performance livestream is available on Saturday, September 11 at 8 a.m. ET on the Lincoln Center website
In honor of this year's 20th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, the Buglisi Dance Theatre, Dance/NYC and Lincoln Center perform a reimagined interpretive dance and spoken word performance.
Table of Silence Project 9/11 was first launched 10 years ago on the Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center. Since then, over 1,400 diverse professional dancers, musicians and singers have performed together on this piece, reaching over 2 million people via livestream.
"Most plainly put, it's a ritual for peace. The message is to create a mandala within Lincoln Center with the three concentric circles that make a ritual for peace," said Meagan King, Alvin Ailey artist, to NBC New York.
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King, 23, has performed in Table of Silence for since 2019, even participating through last year's Zoom piece. To the Brooklyn native, this is more than just an annual dance.
Although King was just 3 years old when the World Trade Center fell, the day marks a personal moment in time.
"My aunt was actually in the Twin Towers, but ground level, and was able to get out before any of the rubble fell. My uncle was a first responder there, and he developed cancer, as well. Ten years later, he passed on my 13th birthday," shared King.
News
One of the creators of Table of Silence makes a note to her performers to not just reflect on the past but to bring in what New Yorkers may be feeling in present times, particularly during the pandemic and anti-hate movements.
“Expressing so much of what makes us human, the Table of Silence Project’s message of peace and healing is far-reaching and holds great relevance today. Our goal is to offer a transformative experience that honors the strength and resilience of our collective society," said Jacqulyn Buglisi, Artistic Director of Buglisi Dance Theatre.
King echoes Buglisi in hopes that onlookers to this performance are not filled with sadness but resiliency, empathy and peace.
This year's 9/11 tribute will be available on-demand here.
