Video Artist Gary Hill and choreographer Meg Stuart present the culmination of their three-year collaboration, Splayed Mind Out, at NY's Kitchen, Dec. 2- 5.

A dramatization of the failings and misunderstandings occurring when two or more people attempt to communicate with each other, the piece utilizes video, theatre and dance to create a somewhat fragmented narrative. Themes include the differences between being and viewing, and the emotional spaces between physical gestures.

MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner Hill began working in video in the early 1970s, investigating the relationships between words and images -- specifically those displayed electronically.

As the daughter of two theatre directors, Stuart is widely regarded in both the theatre and dance communities as an innovator. Her non-verbal narratives communicate social and emotional messages -- betraying an identity of someone who has grown up around theatre and been performing on stage at a very young age.

The Kitchen, once the mecca of experimental theatre and performance art, has recently turned more toward dance and video installations. Performers Eric Bogosian, Laurie Anderson and Karen Finley were all staples of The Kitchen's repertory in the early 1980s. Splayed Mind Out plays at The Kitchen (512 West 19th Street) Dec. 2 - 5. For reservations or more information, call (212) 255-5793.

-- By Sean McGrath