Week Three: Balance

We (or Us) is shaping up nicely. As we rapidly approach our opening, every rehearsal seems to advance the show leaps and bounds, and new challenges lie around every corner. It never ceases to amaze me how the more you know and practice something, the more familiar you become with an art or activity, the more you realize how much more there is to learn.

A particularly striking lesson made itself apparent a couple days ago. We were working on a piece which features two duets happening on different levels of the house. Both couples knew the choreography and danced beautifully, but there were moments when they were out of sync; that is, moments of imbalance in the stage picture. As one couple has more leeway to move than the other, the immediate solution seemed to be to adjust their floor pattern to compliment the other, more stationary pair. However, there remained a moment that proved to be troublesome- no matter where we placed or moved the mobile couple, the picture just didn't seem right. Then it hit me- move the more confined couple just slightly. We did, and the picture immediately found its balance. The moment reminded me that sometimes, all that is needed to rediscover balance is a small shift in perspective. Pushing the boundary of percieved possiblity ever so slightly presented a solution to the problem. The same principle applies to many aspects of our lives- often, all we need to grasp goals just beyond our reach is a re-evaluation of situation, to turn a "can't" into a "maybe". Whether it's trying to balance on top of another person, a stage picture, a checkbook, or a relationship, changing the way you perceive the circumstances allows for more creative and successful solutions.

All of us here at Post Mortem can't wait to share We (or Us) with you! See you next week!

Week Two: Harmony

This week marked the entrance of a dear friend to the show. Despite it being almost a year since we had last worked together, we immediately picked up where we left off and began to create as if no time had passed at all. I was reminded of why we worked so well together (her playful, positive energy), and how fulfilling it is to be reunited with an old friend. It's truly one of the joys of life- and would fit perfectly into We (or Us)!

However, there is no piece dedicated to such an occasion, nor for many of life's moments which should truly be cherished. These are no lesser than the experiences we chose for the show, and there are plenty of mythological stories which discuss them- but we only have time for a few. So how do we as a company do justice to those not chosen?

When the question was brought up to the cast, it didn't take long to find a solution. A cast member suggested that we use our transitions and the moments in between the moments (or pieces) to address the audience and the experiences previously passed over. The brilliance of the response not only found a solution to my question, but reiterated why we do ensemble theater: together, our voices create more beautiful layers and complexities than our singular efforts ever could.

Thanks to everyone that came to our acroyoga workshop last Tuesday, and see you all next week!

Week One: Introductions

Hi! I'm Kyle Johnston, Business Manager of Post Mortem Movement Theater- thanks for reading! This week marked the ensemble's first week working in the space. Introduction to a new playing space is always exciting, particularly one as beautiful and iconic as the Marion Davies Guest House. It was invigorating to see the performers explore their new environment, reveling in the possibilities allowed by structures surrounding them. The joy and passion in their eyes was touching, and it echoed exactly the kind of joy we seek to lead our audience to discover in We (or Us).

We (or Us) is a piece that, above all, endeavors to invite the audience to celebrate the wondrous aspects of the human experience which connect us all. Exploring themes such as transcendent love, the marvel of creation, and the strength of friendship, We (or Us) uses the classic tales of our ancient mythos to remind us of the beautiful parallels in our own lives and the timelessness of the human spirit. The unique staging of the Guest House will allow us to incorporate and invite the audience into the performance in a more intimate way, connecting them with the players in a deeper and more meaningful manner than typically afforded. The piece has already imparted a warmness and lightness upon the cast, and we can't wait to share it with you!

We (or Us)

An original piece by Post Mortem Movement Theater

Directed by Angela Lopez

Choreography by Andrea Luna and Angela Lopez

Music by Eric Pham and Jess Gabriell Cron

Featuring:

Andrea Luna

Angela Lopez

Jeremy Hahn

Katie Powers-Faulk

Kyle Johnston

Stephen Beitler

Monkey puppet head, pre-completion

Monkey puppet heads