Works: Women in War
Includes dancers from Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. Received rave reviews and recommendation for future performances with Amnesty International. Three vignettes involving women’s roles in war throughout history, as demonstrated by the text Battle Cries and Lullabies by Dr. Nancy Smith, mix strong and vulnerable passages. Through sensitive, exposed, ferocious, determined, combative, and expressive movements, dancers embody warriors, nurses, prostitutes, and a saddened, vengeful mother anguished over her son’s death. Dancers don and shed army fatigues as well as partner with layered, tattered dresses. With black poles, floor, and body percussion, they create ritualistic syncopated rhythms and perform various weapon drills. After September 11 th and the reactions of the United States abroad, I researched effects on women and children in war here and in Iraq and Afghanistan. I became fascinated with the complex web of roles women have played in wars since their beginning. Dr. Smith’s text guided me in a widespread understanding and I made this piece in the interest of powerful unsung voices.
View additional photos