What was your first encounter with the performing arts?

My father’s bad behavior.

What did you dream of becoming as a child?

A pediatrician.

When did you know that you wanted to work in the performing arts?

Age 12.

Which performance kept you awake recently?

Pina Bausch/Tanztheater Wuppertal’s Carnations.

Which performance will you never forget?

Jennifer Lacey’s Money Shot.

What is your favorite place to be?

Watching tennis with my mom.

What does your workspace or atelier look like?

It has a green floor.

How do you relax?

Binging series.

Do you have a ritual before going on stage?

I do the same warm up routine.

Music Music, Trajal Harrell © Nurith Wagner Strauss

What is the most beautiful thing about your job as an artist?

Spending time with an audience.

And the hardest part?

Being away from my loved ones while on tour.

Do you need mostly chaos or order to work?

Mostly chaos mixed with a little chaos.

Do you enjoy showing your work, or does it mainly make you nervous?

I enjoy it.

What habit would you like to unlearn?

Watching tv before sleeping. 

Are your parents fans of your work?

Definitely not.

Does theatre have an impact?

Yes.

With whom would you like to collaborate one day? 

Craig Taborn.

“My work is not fusion nor is it voguing. I tried to address the histories of the voguing ballroom scene, early postmodern dance, butoh, and early modern dance.”

Which misconception about yourself would you like to dispel here and now?

My work is not fusion nor is it voguing. I tried to address the histories of the voguing ballroom scene, early postmodern dance, butoh, and early modern dance.

Have you ever had a memorable encounter with an audience member?

Yes. During a performance an audience member pulled a splinter out of my foot.

What makes you unhappy?

An overripe melon.

If you could start over, what career would you choose?

Magazine editor.

Do you think theatre will survive in the future?

Yes.

Twenty Looks or Paris is Burning at The Judson Church, Trajal Harrell © Ian Douglas

The Köln Concert, Trajal Harrell © Reto Schmid

Twenty Looks or Paris is Burning at The Judson Church, Trajal Harrell © Karl Rabe

The Romeo, Trajal Harrell © Christophe Raynaud de Lage