PORTRAITS IN DRAMATIC TIME is a series of 40 art films created by artist David Michalek. It is a free, public installation that can be seen on the facade of the David H. Koch Theatre between July 5-31, 2011 nightly from 8:45PM - 11:45PM as part of the 2011 Lincoln Center Festival.
Each video depicts a dramatic scene shot in just 10 seconds and played back in hyper-slow motion, extending the length to about 7 minutes. The scenes vary from solos by famous actors such as Alan Rickman, Holly Hunter, Liev Schreiber, William H. Macy, William Mapother, Patti LuPone, Ludivine Sagnier, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Sarita Choudhury, Alison Pill, David Patrick Kelly, Lili Taylor, Carmen Ejogo etc.
The extreme slowness allows the viewer to witness details of movement - such as muscles, facial expressions - revealing the gradual progression and in-between moments of developing emotions. Veteran film and theatre director, Paul Warner served as executive creative consultant and assisted in coaching and directing the actors.