Bare (2006) 30M Movement I: Invocation Music: Daniel Bernard Roumain Character: Leader (1) Movement II: Pilgrimage / Cleansing Characters: Devotees (2) Initiates (4) Movement III: Ascension Music: Babatunde Olatunji Costumes: Hunter Lighting: Jim French Characters: Leader (1) Devotees (2) Initiates (4+) Synopsis: Bare is an abstract dance/theatre work in three movements. Inspired by communal baptisms, the intent of Bare was to strip down any religious associations related to the ritual of baptism, and investigate spiritual baptisms as a ritual in movement. The first movement, Invocation, speaks to the calling of the sprit for the blessing of the ritual space. It is a solo that looks at the preparatory efforts of the leader of the group. Movement 2, Pilgrimage/Cleansing, involves the entire cast as they journey to a sacred worship place. This movement is in silence, and follows the emotional trajectory of the Devotees. The third movement, Ascension, physicalizes the reality of spiritual rebirth. Through a series of emphatic movement sequences and buoyant jumps, the group re-discovers their spiritual selves . “…some dropped to the ground and a few threw their hands in the air as if to grasp the falling blessing.” Premiere: Tribeca Performing Arts Center (New York City)
