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reacting to what people say
Seattle was enjoying gleeful hysterics a week or so ago in its role as the 12th Man. An interesting concept that, one which—for all the commercialism and hype— gets at a crucial and universal element [...]
program notes – how much is enough?
"You'll never please everyone," says Whim W'Him artistic director Olivier Wevers. But I find it intriguing to try. As the writer of Whim W'Him program notes, I'm very curious about what level of detail an [...]
erasing gun violence – Greg Bokor
The best metaphors grow naturally out of both the thing symbolized and the symbol. Greg Bokor's ERASE is surely one of these. In April of 2013, a few months after the Newtown, CT school shooting, [...]
designing man – Mark Zappone
I love watching things being made—it's one of the most enjoyable perks of this job. And Mark Zappone is a wizard at making things—from decking out Miss Universe contestants in sequins... ...or concocting intricate classical [...]
celebrating – Whim W’Him’s fifth season
Whim W'him's Instantly Bound program, January 17-19, 2014 at Cornish Playhouse (formerly Intiman Theatre/Seattle Center Playhouse) kicks off its fifth season. As well as showcasing three Seattle premieres (two of them created for this show), [...]
bounding – Thomas Phelan
Thomas Phelan is a joyful, even manic presence. His gusto and vitality seem boundless—he often literally jumps for joy. When we were talking about his life recently, I asked him what on earth he would [...]
partying – this is Les Sylphides?!
WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? It's New Year's Eve. A dinner party is about to begin. Signs aren't good. The hosts are scarcely on speaking terms. The first couple to arrive are already tipsy and [...]
testing the territory – Juanjo Arques
Juanjo Arques is the second of four children, whose mother was a seamstress working from home, and whose father put in 12 hour shifts at a paprika powder factory. In a village in southeast Spain, [...]
listening to body language – Juanjo Arques
Spanish guest choreographer Juanjo Arques is learning the dancers of Whim W'Him. They talk together a little and then start to move with a series of improv exercises in couples. Juanjo makes suggestions. After a [...]
learning – Madeline DeVries
She has a ready smile. The long limbs, flexible body, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn of apprentice Madeline DeVries (or Maddie as she's usually known) make her a real Whim W'Him asset. Maddie grew up [...]
About the writer
Victoria Farr Brown is a former historian, a writer, now mostly of fiction, and a long-time lover of dance. She has written about Whim W’Him from its first steps in 2009.