The Lucy Poems
2007 / 4 dancers / 60 min
premiere: Clark Studio Theater : Lincoln Center, NY
music: Michael Gordon, David Lang, Julia Wolfe, John Oswald, Nathan Hubbard and Bang on a Can
costumes: Amanda Waal
lighting: Brant Murray
Like the series of lyric poems by Wordsworth to which the title refers, such disassociative “fits of passion” are alternately watched and lived. In a series of disturbing iterations, the classical line curls back upon itself. Influenced by working with people whose “illnesses” are alarmingly reminiscent of our own experience, Deborah Lohse, has found inspiration in their strength and seeks to honestly portray the anguish of sympathy and the horrors of clinical psychosis.
Elias
2005 / solo / 7 min
premiere: Mulberry Street Theater, NY
music: Michael Gordon
costume: Amanda Waal
In remembrance of a special man who spent much of his life hidden way because of mental illness. This solo was created for his voice and life story to continue on after years of silence. There are many more we leave behind and simply forget after they have been locked away.
Just Holding On
2005 / duet / 14 min
premiere: New Chamber Ballet, NY
music: Philip Glass
costumes: Amanda Waal
A duet of influence, dependence and frustration revealing the struggle and challenges of trying to protect someone that cannot be saved.
No Excuses
2004 / solo / 5 min
premiere: Joyce SoHo, NY
music: Bang on a Can
costume: Amanda Waal
Junior High was no picnic but how much do we really change from the person we were back in 7th grade with the bad perms and awkward glasses to the one who now claims sophistication.
In the Tower
2005 / solo / 5 min
premiere: St. John the Divine, NY
music: Arvo Part
costume: Amanda Waal
A solo dancer on pointe is suspended by aircraft cable so that just the tips of her pointe shoes touch the floor. This piece is a challenge for the dancer who must control every movement in perfect balance so that she doesn't succumb to the tension in the cable and spin precariously out of control. It is a tense duet between the dancer and the cable that holds her yet also limits her freedom.