Photo: Jeffrey Anderson, from RIDE with Escorial and Deanna Pellecchia
I spent the weekend in the theater, directing Ryder Cooley’s production of Xmalia. For the past number of years, my theater has been the arena, dancing with horses. It is good to get back inside for a bit.
The theater is a good place to look for light. Literally, figuratively. My focus with this production is to find the light within the dark themes of extinction and mourning. To bring each of the performers into their individual, specific lightness of being. And doing that in such a way that the shadows are also revealed, the spaces between, the interstial illuminations. That is how the work can surprise us with little moments that shake the heart, as well as the big ravishing ones.
How are you finding the light?
“light within the dark themes” – could be talking about my piece, too…except I don’t see the light (yet). Do I see it in my “life”? yes. at times. Do i feel myself lightening up with the 50 lb. weight loss (to date)? quite literally: yes. Do i feel light in the autobiographical piece…no. I am here and the piece is “there”…it is coming sooooo slowly. I am happy for Ryder’s success with being able to make it happen with your expert guidance and direction. I can’t help but to feel that I may still be too close to the “material” to work it in a way that will allow this “light within the dark themes” to be authentic and flow seamlessly. I look forward to rehearsal later today. A new beginning after an “accidental” hiatus may be just what is needed. I am keeping the faith that this piece will be completed (as complete as any artwork can ever be) enough to begin to learn it and perform it soon. Ryder is an inspiration. I think I can, I think I can…