Misregistration, 2025
By artist Janet Biggs, mathematicians Agnieszka Międlar and Paul Cazeaux, dancer Davian Robinson and audio engineer Tanner Upthegrove
Presented at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte, NC on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition Collection, Reframed: We Are Here, Beyond Vision, July 11, 2025 and at The Cube at The Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT), Virginia Tech, May 1st and 2nd, 2025
Supported by a Major SEAD Grant from Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT),
the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Featuring dancers Davian Robinson, Vinson Fraley, Joanna Kotze (Bechtler performance), Julia Basso (ICAT performances), composer/violinist Dr. Charles Nichols, and composer William Carter Roberts III
The Misregistration team is uniquely positioned to explore ways their individual areas of expertise can work together, across the senses, to develop novel ways of creative, inclusive production, prioritizing audio and embodied movement.
Inspired by artwork in the Bechtler Museum’s permanent collection, Misregistration is a multimedia dance performance by artist Janet Biggs, dancer/choreographer Davian Robinson, spatial audio engineer Tanner Upthegrove, and mathematicians Agnieszka Międlar and Paul Cazeaux that reimagines choreography through an inclusive lens. Exploring alternative modes of communication—including touch, sound, and echolocation—the work highlights the unique strengths and abilities of the performers. Layering spatial sound with choreographic movement and improvisations, this sensorium-driven performance amplifies personal stories, transforms visual artworks into sound, and advocates for future inclusion of the disabled in promoting innovative research and understanding. Challenging traditional notions of movement and connection, Misregistration invites audiences to experience dance in bold and unexpected ways.
The performance unfolds in five parts:
Opening Procession – Audience is led into the Bechtler Museum lobby by Dr. Charles Nichols playing an original composition on violin, titled “Moiré Fringe”
Sculptor / Clay – Improvisation by Davian Robinson, Vinson Fraley, and Joanna Kotze
Oscillation – Choreography by Davian Robinson based on guiding techniques for the vision impaired. Dancers Davian Robinson, Vinson Fraley, and Joanna Kotze
Walking / Sound Patterns – Choreography by Davian Robinson combined with improvisation based on echolocation techniques
Sculptor / Clay – Improvisation by Davian Robinson, Vinson Fraley, and Joanna Kotze
The score for the performance is composed by William Carter Roberts III. Additional rhythmic patterns and vocalizations composed, improvised, and performed by the dancers.
Photo Credit Bechtler Museum: Ghost Crab Production, LLC
Photo Credit ICAT: Ethan Candelario
