Joe Goode Performance Group wants to know Are You Okay?
Joe Goode’s “Are You Okay? ” runs at the Rincon Center from August 14-31, tackling the emotional challenges stemming from the pandemic. This dance theater piece is inspired by a U. S. Surgeon General advisory on mental health, which reported alarming rates of loneliness and anxiety.
Goode engaged residents and mental health services during the development process, asking how individuals cope with periods of distress. “We asked questions like, have you experienced a period when you were not okay? ” he said, emphasizing the universal nature of these struggles. The production showcases the talents of long-time collaborators, merging dance, acting, and music. Goode’s immersive approach allows audiences to explore the performance space, fostering both a broad understanding and intimate connection to the themes presented.
His work continues to resonate, especially in light of rising mental health concerns post-pandemic. “Are You Okay? ” invites viewers to reflect on their emotional landscapes through art.