Jacqulyn Buglisi and Buglisi Dance Theatre [2] are honored to be welcomed back by Lincoln Center for a fourth presentation of the transcendent  "Table of Silence Project 9/11," a public tribute to 9/11 and prayer for peace, conceived and choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi in collaboration with Italian visual artist Rossella Vasta [3]. The tribute will take place Thursday September 11, beginning at 8:15 AM and concluding at 8:46 AM, the moment when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower.  

In partnership with Dance/NYC and The September Concert, Buglisi Dance Theatre brings
together over 100 dancers, selected from major dance companies and professional institutions including The Ailey School [4], Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance [5], The Juilliard School [6], and Steps on Broadway [7]. 

Moving to the minimal plaintive cries of the singers, echoes of the flute and conch, and the ritualistic beat of the tympani - a metaphor for the heartbeat - the dancers ascend onto the Josie Robertson Plaza forming patterns of concentric circles to create a Peace labyrinth while encircling the Revson Fountain, symbolizing eternity, purity, and the continuous life cycle.   This sacred landscape becomes filled with the transcendent energy of the Mandala, connecting dancers and viewers to the healing rituals of the natural world. At 8:46 AM, the dancers will turn their wrists with open palms and extend their arms to the sky for one minute, evoking the simple gesture of universal peace.  Spectators are invited to join in this ritual.  

A live stream broadcast via the internet will once again be available (full list of countries is attached). Since 2011, the event has been viewed via live-stream in 45 U.S. States and 82 countries around the world, including New Zealand, Russia, Guatemala, Italy, Venezuela, South Africa, Thailand, Israel, Egypt, India, Vietnam, and our troops in Afghanistan, to name a few.   Crossing all borders and boundaries and expressing what makes us human, "The Table of Silence Project 9/11" has proved itself a powerful transmitter of universal consciousness and understanding.   

More than 400 dancers that represent the diversity of the NYC community,  have performed in The Table of Silence Project since the inaugural tribute in 2011, on the tenth anniversary of September 11th. Hundreds of viewers from around the globe have written heartfelt testimonials:

"The intense work was challenging; however every minute was profoundly rewarding, never losing sight of the intent of what you are dancing about.   The reward for doing the work was the freedom to dance with an emotional and spiritual awareness I've rarely experienced."    Dancer, Table of Silence Project 2013  

Buglisi's "Table of Silence Project 9/11" has inspired numerous similar events around the world in the past two years, including:
Syracuse University's Wall of Remembrance in tribute to the thirty-five Syracuse University students who lost their lives in the 1988 Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie; Cathedral San Rufino Square in Assisi, Italy as part of a gathering of religious leaders welcomed by Pope Benedict XVI on the 25th anniversary of a day-long prayer for peace, initiated in 1986 by Pope John Paul II amid Cold War conflicts; Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Event in NYC, to bring awareness to the fight against human trafficking; Film Presentations at the Global Summit 2012 in London, and the Cardinal Stritch University at the presentation to Rossella Vasta of a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree.

The Table of Silence Project 9/11 is made possible with the generous support of Jody & John Arnhold, Arnhold Foundation; Heinz Family Foundation; New Music USA; Caroline Howard Hyman & Edward S. Hyman, Jr; Billy Lerner, Steps on Broadway; The Juilliard School; Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; New 42nd Street Studios; TenduTV; and public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature. 

Endorsements:  Mayor Claudio Ricci of Assisi granted the patronage of UNESCO World Heritage in recognition of The Table of Silence Project 9/11 at Lincoln Center. Sponsorship for the iconic Table of Silence terracotta plates is generously provided by Bizzirri Ceramic Factory [8]  and for the 100 mantles for the dancers by Alessandro Gherardi, Citta di Castello - Perugia, Italy.
 

Table of Silence Project 9/11 Photo (c) Terri Gold