The 1997-98 New York Dance and Performance Awards, commonly known as the Bessies, will be presented on Sept. 18 at 7 PM at the Joyce Theatre in Manhattan. For the past 13 years, the Bessies have honored individual choreographers, creators, performers, designers and composers.
This year's ceremony will be hosted by singer, comedienne and performer Varla Jean Merman and choreographer and performer Doug Elkins. Together, they will hand out approximately 20 prizes, including some special citations.
The event, presented by Dance Theater Workshop and the Bessies Committee, in association with Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church and The Joyce Theater, is open to the public. Tickets are $5 and reservations are required. Doors open at 6:15 PM. For information, call (212) 924-0077.
Past Bessie winners include Ping Chong, Ethyl Eichelberger, Bill Irwin, Meredith Monk, Mark Morris, Robert Wilson, and David Byrne.
-- By Robert Simonson