The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is hosting a revival of the postmodern dance masterpiece "Set and Reset" as part of the ongoing Robert Rauschenberg Centenary celebrations. This landmark 1983 collaboration features choreography by Trisha Brown, a synth-driven score by Laurie Anderson, and extensive visual design by Rauschenberg, including a sculptural projection structure and silkscreened costumes. The program, titled "Dancing with Bob," also includes a rare performance of the 1977 work "Travelogue," a collaboration between Rauschenberg and Merce Cunningham that has not been staged by a professional company in over four decades.
This revival highlights the deep interdisciplinary roots of the American avant-garde and Rauschenberg’s pivotal role in bridging the gap between visual art and performance. By showcasing these works alongside the Tate's recent acquisition of the original "Set and Reset" stage elements, the event underscores the growing institutional effort to preserve and perform ephemeral, collaborative histories. It serves as a testament to the enduring influence of the Black Mountain College circle and the collaborative spirit that defined 20th-century experimental art.