L.A. Dance Project’s remounting of Bobbi Jene Smith + Or Schraiber’s “The Missing Mountain” arrives over a year after it premiered in September 2023. It begins the same: the floor is red, the room is hazy, and the dancers are still. However, the next steps are unique. The journey the LADP ensemble embarks on feels different. It’s tighter and, more importantly, their characters are more distinct.
Smith and Schraiber, artists in residence at LADP, have revitalized the evening-length work in collaboration with the LADP dancers for a more intimate and narrative-driven version of “The Missing Mountain.” The piece contains themes and moments danced from its companion pieces, “Lost Mountain” and “Caldera.” This time, the textures the dancers bring to their characters are more specific and intentional. Although there were sections I missed, I could tell it was for the benefit of the work. The skill of letting go and adapting to the needs of the art is difficult, yet the choreographic duo did it incredibly well here. As a result, the dancers’ search for the missing mountain in themselves and each other feels palpable.
(L-R) Daphne Fernberger, Jeremy Coachman, Or Schraiber in “The Missing Mountain” by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber – Photo by Andy Fortson.
In the September 2023 version, the characters had a choreographic voice that merged. This time, each dancer adds a distinct personality to the movement vocabulary. Daphne Ferberger bends to the side, stretching her hands out as if reaching for something across the stage. It feels like she’s floating, being pulled by her fingertips. Courtney Conovan does the same thing, but her version is more grounded. The subsequent choreography has the same quality as she moves with her pelvis, finding comfort in the support of the ground. As everyone offers a bit of choreography to the audience, it becomes clear how each character differs from the next. Schraiber, stepping in for Lorrin Brubaker who is recovering from an injury, complements the company dancers with his precise gestural movement.
(L-R) Jeremy Coachman, Courtney Conovan in “The Missing Mountain” by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber – Photo by Andy Fortson.
Conovan and Jeremy Coachman’s performances are incredible in this version of “The Missing Mountain.” Conovan commands the stage. She goes from grand movement — swinging her arms up and throwing her body across the couch — to subtle yet impactful movement. When I think of her performance, I recall when the ferociousness subsides, and she sits at the piano. She turns her head, you get a glimpse of her profile, and then she plays. It is just as, if not more, weighted as her guttural scream on the couch. Coachman moves with a well-developed understanding of his character. He is frantic yet in control. He pushes the limits of his balance, physically and emotionally, tipping his body over and constantly changing direction. His character’s indecisive nature comes through when he seemingly smacks his head, changing course. Both dancers are incredibly immersed in the movement, playing with the textures. One second, they could be quick, and the next, slow and sultry, giving their limbs their undivided attention as they not only perform the choreography but feel what it means for their characters in real time.
(L-R) Daphne Fernberger, Or Schraiber in “The Missing Mountain” by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber – Photo by Andy Fortson.
As conflict arises in the ensemble, a familiar portion of choreography from “Resonance” comes indoors. “Prayers” by Yemen Blues plays and the group gathers into a cluster, moving swiftly through a series of gestures. This portion pulls from Schraiber’s latest explorations with the song, including choreography for the artist’s music video. After viewing the choreographic exploration in different spaces — outdoors at Barnsdall Park, on film, and in the studio — this iteration adds a different tone to the work. It creates a flurry of energy that builds tension before the mountain is revealed by Hope Spears. The change allowed for the reveal to land harder. After a prolonged period of struggle for each character, battling with their inner quest for answers, there is a moment when they look at each other and their connection becomes their saving grace.
Spears physicalizes the shift. Once falling off the table and relying on others to keep her up, she now stands proudly on the table. Everyone else watches, shocked at the change. It is an intensely satisfying beginning to a new chapter. Her movement quality also showcases the difference, stretching her limbs farther than the others from her core and unapologetically taking up space. It’s expressive and soft. Simultaneously, Shu Kinouchi continues the poignant weather update, acting as the leader of the pack.
(L-R) Daphne Fernberger, Jeremy Coachman, Hoe Spears, Courtney Conovan in “The Missing Mountain” by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber – Photo by Andy Fortson.
This time around, the connection within the ensemble matters most. In the previous version, they closed the performance by leaving the stage one by one. This time, they gather at the table one last time. Their desire to find the missing mountain is clearer. “The Missing Mountain” got a dramaturgical overhaul thanks to the time provided to explore and ruminate on the work. The narrative rounds out as they sit, hand-in-hand, whispering, “yes, yes, yes…” It’s like a strong embrace within the ensemble. Despite the trials of searching for the missing mountain that put them in constant conflict, they find a way to return to the group with love and respect. It’s a soft closing that feels warm, matching the quality of the red carpet the work is danced on. Everything merges. This is the real connection they sought out of the missing mountain.
For more information about Bobbi Jene Smith + Or Schraiber, please visit their website.
For more information about L.A. Dance Project, please visit their website.
Written by Steven Vargas for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: (L-R) Jeremy Coachman, Daphne Fernberger in “The Missing Mountain” by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber – Photo by Andy Fortson.
