The Quarry Project Update
May 28, 2020

Amy, Emily, Leslie and I have done our work to design a path forward for The Quarry Project during this extra year. We will "meet” once a month for an hour, cycling through a series of three “meetings”: Four Full Ensemble gatherings; Four small Scene gatherings; and Three 1-2-1 conversations to sustain and build on our relationships while we can’t be physically together. Next May will be our first time in proximity, body to body, rehearsing in a studio before going into the quarry for preparation in July 2021.

With my collaborators, I have been using this opportunity to refine what makes worthwhile creative work for me, and it comes down to developing courageous relationships. Our training, Being Seen/Being Heard is about allowing ourselves to be seen and heard in all our complex dimensions, in all situations. It requires courage and builds compassion. It requires honesty and presence with self, others and the work at hand. It is the foundation for these technically proficient performers. When we return to the floating stages, our increased trust and knowledge of each other will bolster and enrich the final performances.

For our last “at a distance” training at the beginning of May, we used a slideshow to practice Being Seen. The format was to really see and absorb each person’s portrait, noticing how you felt, no judgement, just noticing. I viewed it three times and each time, I was deeply moved. I hope you enjoy seeing the ensemble’s marvelous faces captured by Emily Boedecker.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GGyhdIHJnPf4zif2zFCKBU17iXcRWs7Z/view?usp=sharing

This extra year is also offering up slow-paced encounters with people, some I know well, others from far away who have found their way to this project. Our conversations are about the creative process and how it shapes our lives. We focus on the intricacy of art making, of living life, of being here at this time. One friend wrote: In general, work is better, like wine, when it sits in the dark for a while in order to gain clarity. The amount of revisions I do on any piece are astounding. And each one adds another layer to the whole.

May you have safe and lovely moments this summer with people, plants and animals, in places that bring you calm and clarity.