Reflections on the 14th Annual Table of Silence Project 9/11
On September 11, 2024, at 8:05 a.m. ET, the streets of New York City were transformed into a powerful tribute to peace and unity as Buglisi Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, presented the 14th annual "Table of Silence Project 9/11." This deeply moving performance ritual, which took place at Josie Robertson Plaza and was livestreamed to a global audience, honored the memory of those lost and emphasized the enduring need for compassion and change.
Created and choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi, Artistic Director of Buglisi Dance Theatre, the "Table of Silence Project 9/11" debuted in 2011 to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Over the years, it has evolved into an essential annual event, reflecting on contemporary issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and the universal pursuit of freedom from oppression. The performance aims to foster a sense of shared humanity and resilience, bridging cultural and geographic divides.
As dawn broke over Lincoln Center, more than 150 dancers, clad in white, gathered at Josie Robertson Plaza. Guided by the ancient, evocative sound of a conch shell, their movements were synchronized with the haunting melodies of violin, flute, saxophone, trumpet, bells, and the rhythmic "heartbeat" of bass drums. The performance involved 12 ritualistic gestures, repeated in sequences of ten, forming three concentric circles around the iconic Revson Fountain. This created a Peace Labyrinth infused with the energy of a Mandala, connecting dancers and viewers to a profound ritual of healing and unity.
At precisely 8:46 a.m., the dancers collectively raised their arms skyward, symbolizing a powerful gesture of universal peace. This year’s performance was marked by a collaboration of esteemed artists including Terese Capucilli, Rossella Vasta, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Paula Jeanine Bennett, John Ragusa, Jeremy Smith, Stahv Danker, Carla Lopez-Speziale, and Nel Shelby, among others. Their contributions enhanced the ritual, amplifying its impact and resonating with audiences worldwide.
Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer of Lincoln Center, expressed deep honor in presenting this influential work. "Art plays a crucial role in fostering community, solace, and shared understanding," Thake stated. "We’re proud to partner with Buglisi Dance Theatre on this project year after year."
The "Table of Silence Project 9/11" is not just a performance but a multicultural ritual for peace, awakening compassion and unity through a shared experience. This year’s event, supported by numerous community partners including Chelsea Factory, The Juilliard School, Martha Graham Dance Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Limón, and Gibney Dance Center, continues to stand as a beacon of hope and resilience. The performance has reached over 4.4 million viewers across all 50 states and 235 countries/territories, a testament to its global impact and the ongoing relevance of its message.
As the world reflects on this year's poignant ritual, the "Table of Silence Project 9/11" remains a powerful reminder of the potential for art to inspire change and heal divisions, reaffirming the universal yearning for peace and understanding.
