Kybele Dance Theatre presented “Reverberation of Time” at Highways Performance Space on Friday and Saturday, February 27,28, 2026. Artistic Director Seda Aybay has always been a very strong choreographer but the three new works on this program just might be some of Aybay’s finest work yet; especially the final piece “Rise”. Her company members also appeared more unified, making for a very exciting evening of dance theater.
Kybele Dance Theatre in “Reminiscence” Choreography by Seda Aybay – Photo courtesy of KDT.
“Reminiscence” was definitely dance theater consisting of props and movement driven dialogue. A long table acted as a family’s central meeting place, while the youngest daughter’s room was comprised of a white square box, a chair and a bookcase. Family photos hung from thin rope strung along the back wall, and a coat rack with clothing rested next to a shoe rack upstage left. No prop felt unnecessary and most became part of the family’s intercourse.
The piece began in the lobby and one got the sense that some of the characters were reluctantly traveling to a destination not yet revealed. Aybay toted a small brown overnight sized suitcase, demonstrating that she intended her stay to be brief.
Kybele Dance Theatre in “Reminiscence” Choreography by Seda Aybay – Photo courtesy of KDT.
Once the audience was in the performance area, it soon became clear that the eldest two siblings’ reluctance was due to their having grown up in a complicated family dynamics led by a very stern father who did not easily express affection.
Aybay’s choreography and direction was excellent and she led the audience’s eye to the personal interactions that she deemed important at the time. “Reminiscence” was a work that the majority of audience members could closely relate to.
Powerful performances were delivered by Seda Aybay, Brian Domino, Evan Lavo, Mayu Oishi, and Ariel Scott. The stunning music was by Nils Frahm and the very strong lighting was by Darren Carter.
Kybele Dance Theatre – L-R Sebastian Lee, Omri Mischael and Seda Aybay – Photo courtesy of KDT.
The second work, which followed a brief intermission, was titled “Drift,” set to live music beautifully performed by cellist Sebastian Lee who played “Bach Cello Suite No. 2-Prelude, Allemande” as well as a section of improvisation.
“Drift” was a duet depicting the various stages of a long term relationship between a woman, Aybay, and man, Omri Mischael. I have often thought that the lifts that Aybay created with her work were rushed, but this evening proved at she has allowed herself to not worry about speed but concentrate on the moment. Although this was not the strongest work on the program, it was very beautifully performed and Aybay completed her vision well. Both Aybay and Mischael gave powerful performances and were wonderful to watch.
Saving the best for last, Aybay’s “Rise” was everything one could hope for in a movement driven dance. The dancers excelled while the music score by Pole and Zayko propelled the performers and the audience alike.
Kybele Dance Theatre in “Rise” Choreography by Seda Aybay – Photo courtesy of KDT.
In “Rise”, Aybay allowed the viewer to see every movement and gesture of her choreography without sacrificing her signature high-speed choreography. She has learned to embrace stillness and to allow her dancers the time required to accomplish her complex groupings and partnering. I’ll go out on a limb here by pondering if this clarity was accomplished because she was not in the dance or thinking about where she would insert herself. Aybay was able to fully observe the work and therefore direct her cast to reach their fullest. By doing this “Rise” achieved the complexity and the space in-between that it demanded and that other of her works longed for. Now she is ready to use what she has learned and include herself. That would be truly extraordinary to see as Aybay is a beautiful dancer and performer.
The amazing cast included Brian Domino, Sarah Chan, Evan Lavo, Omri Mischael, Mayu Oishi, and Ariel Scott. The beautiful lighting was by Darren Carter.
Throughout both “Reminiscence” and “Rise”, my eye was constantly drawn to the incredible Ariel Scott. Her technique is exquisite and only exceeded by her performance presence.
To learn more about Kybele Dance Theatre, please visit their website.
For more information about Highways Performance Space, please visit their website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Kybele Dance Theatre in “Reminiscence” Choreography by Seda Aybay – Photo courtesy of KDT.