An Expectation of Violence

Upcoming Show: May 14-15 at 8pm and May 16 at 3pm.

ABOUT AN EXPECTATION OF VIOLENCE 

At times wild and heavily kinetic, this work is part confessional and part living-history.  I've been obsessed with the various ways the past becomes current.  A line from a poem I wrote specifically for this piece entitled "Spirits of the Dead or Les Esprits de la Mort", read in French by Jodi Obeid states,

"It's a sign not to be ignored

when the past pushes further

into the present than the present,

when memories and premonitions parallel,

when the ghosts speak back

the way they do now."

I'm finding that there are many ghosts in this piece.  The content is very personal and at times dysfunctional, so with using a kind of anti-structure or dysfunctional structure, ideally the content becomes stronger and is made even more vivid.  Movement themes delve into the intricacies of personal and public violence.  Accompanying the movement is an original soundtrack by Mikaal Sulaiman with poems written by Jaamil Olawale Kosoko. -Jaamil Olawale Kosoko 

What Viewers are saying about An Expectation of Violence

Tearing, Flailing, Agreements, Broken yoga, Mothers on fire, Absurd Musical, Flatness at war with depth, Guts, Sonic assault, Presentation of sex, Removing the mask, Verbal abuse, Spit, Race, Nerves. 

-Christina Zani

It's inspiring to see someone doing what they are meant to do.  The piece is exciting and beautiful, there are elements that make it open and accessible and those same things that pull you in become hard, jagged and painful, it's personal and deeply moving. Thanks for sharing and bravo!

-Carishma Mehta

Bravo!

I was enthralled. That opening of laughing encounters is great (the soloist there is really great).  All very sensitive performers and sensitive performances and nobody just dancing without lots behind it.  Loved the west side storyness/ transforming from the loud screaming face of the supremes into unintelligible defensiveness lead beautifully again by your soloist was especially rivetting.  The chairs scooting on the floor absolutely surprisingly beautiful and so sensitively done. The fight in the underwear thrown off in the back and your moving solo.  Many memorable moments culminating in a gentle threat, a percolating anxiety.

Loved it,

-Brandin Steffensen

I felt your piece was researched extensively and embodied deeply. Your cast was amazing! I remember telling you that I was at first a little put off by the fast paced cycling through the sections, but because each change seemed vital and added to the anticipatory mood, I grew to accept it and then really be excited by it. 

One confusing part for me was when the piece got really emotional, I remember you being on your knees and your head was spinning - after that - you apologized vocally. I wondered how necessary this halt in momentum was or what might happen if you were able to go through it to see what was on the other side?

All in all, though, I thought you took big risks and really challenged your performers (I hope they enjoyed the challenge).  This made the work teem with professionalism and told me that you have a gift for direction.

I look forward to seeing more in the future! Keep me updated.

Xo, 

-Deborah Black