When to Awaken, with Ledah Finck, Matt Genkin, and Bret Schneider at The William A. Kerr Foundation 8.30.2024
This performance called for cinematic staging inspired by David Lynch, the audience to watch one “sleep” while listening to Schneider’s just-intoned piano compesitions, with building anticipation of action. Finck and Genkin recited and improvised poetry and performed on strings and clarinet. The second half of the performance the sleeping figure is awakened into a Gamalan inspired movement, a puppet channeling the music.
Documentation by Hayden Molinaro
Narcissus & Echo, with Bret Schnieder at the William A Kerr Foundation, Saint Louis (6/18/24)
A creative interpretation of Bret Scneider’s essay reimagining Narcissus & Echo; a white figure hunting hesitantly navigates a sea of mirrors, she searches for her voice and finds her reflection. A struggle ensues choking out the last sound and binding her fate to a reflection.
Photos by Ray Garza; Videos by Chris Muther
Guided Meditation for Rest, Harvest (collaboration with Josh Levi), The William A Kerr Foundation, St. Louis (6/20/24)
The floor is covered in blankets with scattered pillows and stuffed animals strewn about. Audience is encouraged to take off shoes and sit/lie within the cozy realm and close their eyes. Josh Levi, using synths and electronics laid down ambient music, while Smith lays with the audience and softly speaks a candid meditation for rest, followed by an excerpt from Kafka’s Prometheus.
Photos by Ray Garza
Water Divination Ritual, with Ishmiah Anaes, Audrey Simes, Leonora Smith and Bret Schneider at The William A Kerr Foundation, Saint Louis (3/24/23)
A sacred ritual takes place between three sisters, to learn the wisdom from water. There is boiling water (steam), frozen water (ice), still water, and continuously agitated water surrounding the altar. The sisters begin with a stretching and awakening with prayer while lighting the candles. Energy builds upon each sister’s movement, until the diviner is ready for the divination. What she learns from the message in the water is to let go.
Video by De Miranda Productions