WQED: Voice of the Arts: The New Hazlett Theater Presents GRAPPLING
The New Hazlett Theater is presenting Erin Kouwe’s GRAPPLING as part of their Community Supported Art series! Erin, Choreographic Assistant Teena Marie Custer, and Lighting Designer Andrew David Ostrowski spoke with QED’s Emily Brunner about the show.
Erin explains the construction of GRAPPLING, calling it a lecture-demonstration of a scientific experiment, in which a researcher uploads their family history and consciousness to human subjects and sends them into space to study. It was built from her own family archive of letters and documents, exploring a network of love, work, and connection. She was also inspired by a love of space to incorporate the piece’s science-fiction elements.
Teena talks about working with Erin to choreograph the show, creating a character out of a staircase, and using the unique architecture of the New Hazlett in the movement. Andy discusses his approach to lighting this show, balancing the needs of a dance-theater production with the scenery of space and the show’s message.
GRAPPLING opens at the New Hazlett Theater on April 16th at 7:30pm, with performances on April 17th at 10:00am and 7:30pm. More information and tickets can be found on the New Hazlett’s website.