Prolegomena II

(2012)

What happens when you are confined in a small place, in absolute darkness, devoid of sensory references? What do you bring in this space with you? What comes to you? Prolegomena II – literally, an introduction or opening remark – is a journey into the subconscious, inspired by Nelson’s ongoing fascination with literal and metaphorical darkness. Originally conceived as a multimedia camera obscura installation, featuring live musicians and on-site painting, this work evolved over the course of a year during which Nelson and her collaborators (visual artist Karolien Soete and composer Alexander Berne) collected stream-of-consciousness accounts from participants they had subjected to isolation in a small, dark space.

“Massively multi-layered in poetry, music, animations and the performance of Nelson’s large and excellent ensemble.”

—Eva Yaa Asantewaa, InfiniteBody

CONCEPT/DIRECTION/COSTUMES
Stefanie Nelson

DANCERS
Nicole Van Arx, Gierre Godley, Daniel Holt, Stefanie Nelson, Sarah Parker, Hunt Parr, Yin Yue with Lauren Garson, Joanna Taubeneck, Kierstin Williams, Juliann Witt, Caroline Yost

ORIGINAL SCORE
Alexander Berne

LIVE MUSIC
Alexander Berne, Regina Sadowski

STOP MOTION ANIMATION
Karolien Soete

LIGHTING DESIGN
Andrew Dickerson

Josie by Natori costumes for Lauren Garson, Joanna Taubeneck and Caroline Yost, graciously provided by The Natori Company. (Special thanks to Josie and Ken Natori.)

Co-produced by Triskelion Arts, in association with Joyce SoHo and made possible, in part, with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Additional support from Harbour Productions, World of the Walking Stick, Duke Energy Foundation, and space grants from Dance Italia and the New 42nd Street studios.