Ralf and Jeanette
by
Bestué-Vives
Date: February 14
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Place: Times Square (Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets)
This February 14 in Times Square, Creative Time is proud to present Ralf and Jeanette, a one-time-only, outdoor theatrical "action" written and directed by Spanish artists Bestue-Vives. Perfectly timed for Valentine's Day, Ralf and Jeanette tells the entire story arc of a romantic relationship—all in about ten minutes.
The play, to be performed in the pedestrian area of Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets at noon, will involve two actors and depict the evolution of a romance compressed into the space of mere minutes. Over the course of this short time, the two characters will meet for the first time, fall in love, and break up.
Above the actors, on the digital billboard on the east side of Broadway (between 44th and 45th streets), the play's dialogue will be projected in time with the action. Since the actors will be unamplified, and their lines will be barely audible above the cacophony of Times Square, the screen will be used to "subtitle" the actors: like a silent movie brought to life.
Through an intimate and fast-paced dialogue, the performance will reveal the array of emotions that occur throughout a romance. At the same time, it will reference the 'temporal compression' that we often experience in Times Square, the symbolic heart of the city and a place where its freneticism is almost palpable.
Video and photographic documentation of Ralf and Jeanette will be released on Creative Time's website following the performance.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Spanish-born artists David Bestué (b. 1980) and Marc Vives (b. 1978) both live and work in Barcelona, Spain. Through their work in video, theater, and photography, Bestué and Vives explore an absurdity in the ludicrous actions and objects of everyday life. Bestué-Vives exhibited their video Proteo in the Spanish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2009. They are represented by the Galeria Estrany-de la Mota in Barcelona.
ABOUT CREATIVE TIME
Since 1974, Creative Time has presented the most innovative art in the public realm. From our base in New York, we work with artists who ignite the imagination and explore ideas that shape society. We initiate a dynamic conversation among artists, sites, and audiences, in projects that enliven public spaces with free and powerful expression.
SUPPORT
Creative Time is funded through the generous support of corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. Additional funding provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency; New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane. The official hotel partner of Creative Time is The Standard.