THE HEARTSPACE OF GRIEF:
THE BODY AS SOURCE AND STORYTELLER
The open call is designed as a workshop to introduce potential creative team members to the ensemble’s approach to devised, movement-based, experimental theater – which prioritizes the body and its stories as primary creative source. The session will also offer a supportive dive into the dynamics of embodied grief and its poetic expression. Jennifer Sargent, director of physical theater company Vagabond Inventions, and singer/ composer Renee Benson will co-lead the ensemble-based creation process and invite physical performers interested in being part of the production to attend.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you wish to be considered for REQUIEM FOR A STRANGER’s creative team, please send your resume (include two reference who can speak to your ability to work in a collaborative process), photo, and brief statement of interest to: India Mack, Production Manager, at requiemforastranger@gmail.com. The location will be emailed to you when your application is received.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
The creation and performance of Requiem for a Stranger will require:
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interest in devised, generative art making inside a collaborative team
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background in physical, movement-based performance
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comfort with improvisation: 1) open, intuitive movement and prompt-based improvisation in rehearsal and 2) structured improvisation in performance
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comfort with weight-bearing contact with other movers and climbing/ performing on structures up to 8 feet high without support
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experimental, non-language-based use of voice
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curiosity or resonance around the subject of grief, mourning, and embodied memory
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practices of self-care, deep listening, and peace-making in order to foster a safe, supportive environment for all personnel
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excellent communication and timeliness around scheduling and transportation conflicts
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ability to commit movement and vocalization to memory and complete readings and video assignments according to predetermined deadlines
DETAILS
Requiem performance dates are October 13-16, 2022. Rehearsals will be organized in a series of intensive sessions (from 3-days to 3 weeks) throughout the spring and fall. The compensation rate is $20/ hour of rehearsal; $100/ show (for a 6-show run). The New Orleans production will be followed by potential touring dates in 2023/ 2024, the cast of which will be decided at a later date.
ABOUT REQUIEM FOR A STRANGER
Artist-Producers Renee Benson and Jennifer Sargent (of Vagabond Inventions) are the co-creators of Requiem for a Stranger, a devised work of original music and movement-theater exploring the American heartspace of grief. Initially conceived pre-pandemic, this project has met the moment of the Covid-19 crisis and the overwhelming tide of grief in communities across the country. Requiem will draw a diverse community into a process of honoring our losses and will help reshape our cultural relationships to grief and mourning. Requiem will have its regional premiere at the CAC on October 13-16, 2022. Preceding the Requiem stage show, is a year-long series of community healing events called the “Gorgeous Offerings,” which began in November 2021 with the short film, “The Black Ophelia”. Renee, Jennifer, and Production Manager India Mack are leading a diverse ensemble of local artists and community leaders in creating and implementing this expansive project. These works are being presented by the Contemporary Arts Center, as part of the CAC’s “Healing and the Arts” season.
Other collaborating artists include: Jeff Becker (designer), Madison Krekel (assistant choreographer), Shannon Stewart (devisor-performer), Mahalia Abéo Tibbs (devising consultant), Alaina Comeaux (dramaturg), Ja’nese Brooks-Galathe (dramaturg, costume designer)
More info about this integrated project: www.requiemforastranger.com
More info about the Gorgeous Offerings: https://cacno.org/programs/intersector
More info about Renee Benson: www.reneebensonmusic.com
More info about Jennifer Sargent and Vagabond Inventions: www.vagabondinventions.com