Frequently Asked Questions

Is this free?
It depends on what you’re attending. The two performances of manger at FringeArts are not free. Tickets for those performances will be sold by FringeArts. The day-long main event at the Barnes Foundation on October 6 IS free. This does NOT include entrance to the Barnes’ collection. Any food or coffee or other rations you may need to get you through the day are pay-as-you-go.
Where do I go, and when?
For Boris Charmatz’ manger, go to FringeArts at 140 N Columbus Blvd (at Race St), Philadelphia, PA 19106 on September 22-23 for 8 pm shows. Make sure to get a ticket first. It’s sure to sell out. For the main event on October 6, go to the Barnes Foundation at 20th and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 3–9 pm. See the full schedule.
Is this an actual museum?
If by “actual museum,” you mean a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited, then, well, sort of. This is a live exhibit of dance at the Barnes Foundation, which is our generous host, and an “actual museum” building. Part of what this project is trying to do is redefine 1) what a museum can be, 2) how a performing art like dance can be exhibited, and 3) the ways in which people gather to experience dance. To learn more about what a museum can be, read Boris Charmatz’ manifesto.
Who is Boris Charmatz?
Boris Charmatz is a French choreographer and dancer whose work has been acclaimed throughout the world. Drexel University’s Westphal College worked with Boris in 2016 for Dancing Dialogues, a residency of public and professional dance workshops, lectures, and Boris’ Levée des conflits for 24 dancers. Did you hear about people dancing in the Philadelphia Museum of Art fountain? That was us! Learn more about Boris.
What is public choreographic assembly?
At its simplest, it’s when groups of people gather to express meaning. Professional dancers can assemble for an audience nearly anywhere, but what about everyday people assembled to celebrate or protest? These can also be choreographic assemblies. All those assembled today, for example, have the chance to share something of themselves, either as witnesses or as participants, and this becomes part of the choreographed experience. Explore what it means to you to assemble with other people all interested in expressing or interpreting meaning through movement.

Photo © JJ Tiziou Photography