Alexa West and Adam Charlap Hyman on the Suffocating Plastic World of 'Jawbreaker'
Choreographer Alexa West and architect Adam Charlap Hyman from CH & Herrero recently discussed their collaboration, 'Jawbreaker.' This project, spanning a year, explores themes like patriotism and exhaustion through movement, Shaker traditions, and postmodern dance. Dancers perform to intense gabber music inside a clear aquamarine plastic environment that creates a tight atmosphere. The plastic’s crinkled texture not only refracts light but also adds sound and allows quick costume changes. West’s sound design mixes field recordings with ambient sounds, shaping the dancers' interactions. 'Jawbreaker' premiered at PAGEANT in New York and will appear at the 2026 TONO Festival in Mexico City. West will also be MoMA's next artist-in-residence, while Hyman’s firm received the 2026 Smithsonian National Design Award.
Key facts
- 'Jawbreaker' is a year-long choreographic project by Alexa West.
- The piece explores patriotism and exhaustion through athletic movements, Shaker rituals, and postmodern dance.
- The set design by CH & Herrero uses translucent aquamarine plastic wrapping the entire room.
- The plastic creates a suffocating, claustrophobic environment with crinkling sounds.
- West's sound design uses collage of field recordings and found sounds to manipulate dancer energy.
- The piece premiered at PAGEANT in New York City and later at 99 Canal.
- International premiere at TONO Festival 2026 in Mexico City.
- West is next artist-in-residence at MoMA's studio and co-founder of Pageant.
- CH & Herrero received the 2026 Smithsonian National Design Award.
- References include Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Danh Vo, Franco Mazzucchelli, and Robert Gober.
Entities
Artists
- Alexa West
- Adam Charlap Hyman
- Sam Ozer
- Gene Kelly
- Fred Astaire
- Danh Vo
- Franco Mazzucchelli
- Robert Gober
Institutions
- CH & Herrero
- PAGEANT
- 99 Canal
- TONO Festival
- MoMA
- SculptureCenter
- Performa Biennial
- Smithsonian
- Pageant
Locations
- New York City
- Mexico City
- Brooklyn
- Los Angeles