New York, NY – Acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Lal Ensari invites audiences to immerse themselves in her latest creation, Winter Solstice, a groundbreaking performance that melds movement, poetry, and theater. Written, directed, and performed by Ensari, the piece is part of the renowned Exponential Festival and will take the stage on January 17, 18 (two performances), and 19 at Target Margin Theater in Brooklyn.
Winter Solstice is a unique, site-specific performance that transforms the introspective quiet and dark solitude of winter into an opportunity for collective joy, renewal, and shared celebration. Infused with Ensari’s signature style of poetic storytelling and innovative choreography, the play invites audiences to reflect on the cycles of light and darkness that shape the human experience. “This piece is about the quiet, tender power of renewal,” Ensari explains. “It combines poetry, movement, and theatrical elements to create a layered and immersive experience that speaks to the heart.”
Featuring performances by Sophia Nelson, Soraya Omtzigt, and Lal Ensari herself, the show is presented on a split bill with Sophie Zmorrod’s Gilda, with an Olive and Kenneth Keng’s AMA.
Ensari talks about the inspiration behind Winter Solstice: “In the dark solitude of winter, and in the winter of my heart, all that I feel and experience can seem serious and profound. I want this performance to be a reminder that even the most shameful and sacred experiences we have are shared. Let’s come home to ourselves, together.”
About Lal Ensari: A Visionary Across Artistic Disciplines
Lal Ensari’s journey as an artist began in Istanbul, Turkey, where her love for the performing arts emerged at a very young age. Her passion for storytelling and creation was evident even in childhood, with teachers recalling her early dreams of being on stage. At 18, she moved to New York to study drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where her exposure to experimental theater deepened her commitment to the craft. The Turkish artist expanded her creative repertoire beyond poetry, embracing the art of playwriting and discovering the transformative power of multidisciplinary storytelling.
Graduating from Tisch’s Experimental Theatre Wing, Ensari’s education emphasized creating original works and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. She further refined her approach to performance through intensives at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London) and at the University of Cambridge, cultivating a dynamic and fearless storytelling style.
Directing with a Unique Vision
Lal Ensari’s leadership approach challenges traditional, patriarchal models of professionalism, particularly as a woman of color. “I’m unlearning outdated ideas of leadership and discovering how empathy, vulnerability, and deep listening can lead to truly transformative art,” she shares. This mindset aligns seamlessly with the themes of Winter Solstice, a work that embraces renewal and connection.
Performing: A Lifelong Love
Performing has been a cornerstone of Ensari’s life, a love she describes as a guiding force since childhood. “All the things that made it difficult for me to live a ‘normal’ life have made me a better actor,” she reflects. “Acting has taught me to suspend judgment, explore the human condition, and connect deeply to the world around me.” Her willingness to take risks and her ability to feel deeply resonate in every performance, offering audiences an authentic and powerful experience.
Poetry and Movement: The Heart of Her Art
The young creator excels in seamless blending of poetry and movement. Her recent collaboration with legendary artists Sir Douglas Dunn and Christopher Williams in Salon Lute showcased this synergy, captivating audiences with her evocative performances. “I see poetry as a living, breathing form — something that transcends the page to become energy expressed through the voice, body, and spirit,” she says.
This philosophy is at the core of Winter Solstice, where Ensari’s words and movements intertwine to tell a universal story of resilience and rebirth. Drawing inspiration from her heightened sensory awareness and her deep connections to nature and the divine, Ensari creates work that is as spontaneous as it is profound.
A Call to Feel and Connect
Lal’s work transcends entertainment: It’s an invitation to connect with the human experience. “Art, for me, is about creating a space where we can feel deeply and collectively,” she shares. “It’s a way to embrace both the light and the shadow, to find meaning and healing through shared experience.”
Audiences can experience Lal Ensari’s unique vision firsthand during Winter Solstice, a must-see event that promises to leave a lasting impact.
Performance Schedule:
- Dates: January 17 (7:30 PM), January 18 (2 PM, 7:30 PM), January 19 (4:00 PM)
- Venue: Target Margin Theater
- Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-exponential-fest-presents-amagildasolstice-tickets-1078706553339?aff=oddtdtcreator
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