In the past month alone, "Coats" has been performed in all sorts of forms and places. First, a sneak preview at Bourbon & Branch's first open mic poetry night. Then Antonia, Sophie, Wally, Blythe, and Hannah shared the first 10 minute version as part of inHale Performance Series. A couple weeks later, Jenelle joined this same group for two runs in the Etc. Performance Series (3 photos by Bill H below). Finally, Blythe, Wally, and I performed a trio version in a fundraiser show alongside mostly Indian dance.
Most of the piece is an improvisational structure. It will always come out differently in the moment, often in response to the audience, space, and expected, but unpredictable collisions. Things I intentionally changed most between shows included costuming under the coats, the use of sunglasses, an interchangeable wall and spot light, music, and alternative endings. The experimental mentality I've had throughout this process has been incredibly freeing and insightful. I think of each version as a final version for that show, but as works-in-progress in the uknown long run.
"Coats" has already taken on so many lives, and I can feel that it wants to keep living and growing and morphing for new spaces and bodies. Over muffins after rehearsal the other day, we joked about making a series of off-season Holiday editions of the piece.. And a calendar featuring the ladies in coats.. a new version of "Coats" for every season and age.. I'm dreaming about taking "Coats" into schools and senior homes for lecture/dem/workshops.. If I were in school, this would be the beginnings of my thesis concert.
All I know for now is that this piece wants to keep living. I'll be on the lookout and brainstorming for ways to make that happen. Enjoy a few more videos I've edited from rehearsal footage of the most recent trio version..
In other news, my other Meredith was just with me for the weekend. We shared a few wandering adventures, meals, shows, and did some serious play in the studio. Pulling from improv videos she had sent me, we began crafting a solo for her that suddenly became a 9 minute piece that I feel is already just about ready for the world. It's complex, thick, playful, honest, concentrated and distracted all at once. Looking forward to reflecting and coming back to it soon. Currently, the piece is broken up into 3 sections. Here's an image from each in sepia.
