Under Epic Granite

2014, Tek Box, Minneapolis
Soundscape by Ken Brahmstadt

I commissioned and collaborated with Penelope Free to create this solo, an ode to my Nono, my Italian granite-sculpting grandfather who died, ironically, from the granite dust he inhaled while carving gravestones. Suspended high above, stage right, is a roped and chained chunk of “granite”; downstage is red “danger/dancer” tape; the soundscore includes Romani music, orchestral tuning, and versions of Chariots of Fire.

This work involves agency around aliveness and death, along with humor, sass, and intricate, dangerous pointe work. It’s the last work I performed for JSB, within the container of the program I co-curated for 20 years, the Ballet Works Project.