November 9, 2007

Among the Lilies

It's colder here in the Midwest, and drier, too. And flat. The land is flat.

But I am lucky to be among some beautiful flowers. Michael Rohd, of Sojourner Theatre and who is also a visiting professor at Northwestern has arranged for three other artistic directors of companies who engage communities in the making of their work to convene here for a few days, share some conversation. Exemplar funded our time together.

Today, Micheal Garces of Cornerstone Theatre, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar of Urban Bush Women, Michael Rohd and I co-taught a class to a mix of theatre and dance students. Vincent Thomas, who has danced with us at Dance Exchange and has taught for Bush Women's Institutes, also taught. How inspiring to be among others who share similar values but also offer new perspectives. Today I got to play in the garden.

I also received some prototypes for some of Molly Ross' new thoughts on projections as head to the final stretch of designing for our December shows. Asanga Domask, who danced live in the work last year, will be represented this year as a shadow and light projection designed by Molly,  as well as in video mastered by company member Matt Mahaney.

Her character is our guide to the proceedings in the theater. Without giving anything away, I think Asanga's spirit will soar off the screen and help the audience to the Land of Sweets by the end of the evening.

Still, I get to play in a garden. What flowers I get to work with, play with. All in a day's work.

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3Comments

rachel jendrzejewski said:

hi Peter! thanks so much for sharing -- all of us in Los Angeles all wish we could be there in the garden with you! xoxo

Added: November 9, 2007 12:31 PM | Permalink

Peter Dimuro said:

Well, we will be bringing the garden back to LA in mid-December and hopefully again soon after that. As I write this, Liz Lerman is receiving an award from the Colbourn School in LA, toured LATC this AM, and is thrilled to see the company coming to such a great place.

Looking forward to seeing you again, Rachel -

Peter

Added: November 10, 2007 7:01 PM | Permalink