June 28, 2021
The Quarry Project Update

Much has happened in the world of The Quarry Project since May’s newsletter.

Lukas Huffman, the filmmaker of The Quarry Project and I have scouted out a location for aspects of the 2021 film. Here I am amongst the rubble, one of our chosen spots for what we are calling “intimate video portraits.” His 2020 film While We Wait is the winner of the Experimental Independent Producer category of The Foundation for the Alliance for Community Media’s Hometown Media Awards

Two weeks ago, on the 13th of June, the ensemble gathered in person for the first time in 16 months at the picnic shelter of the Montpelier Recreation field. The day was lovely and our spirits were high. We played a goofy game with questions like: “Who grew up in another country? Who drinks coffee? Who likes to sleep in? Whose birthday is this month? Who likes to curl up with a good book?” Here is the time lapse film of this game.

Last weekend, Jay Southgate, our neighbor at the quarry, Henry John who is on the crew, and I put the working stage into the quarry to install the pulling ropes. In two weeks, the big stage will be floated and prepared for the dancers. A smaller stage will go in for the band. August is our last time to dance and make music together in that spectacular setting, uncovering the hidden gems that can be folded into the final piece for 2022. We will also be doing the important work of re-engaging our deep sense of ease with one another.

Finding that ease is not a straightforward path. Over this past year, the majority of us have experienced varying degrees of trauma and distress. To address it, we will incorporate conscious breathing, humming, simple singing, rocking or swaying into our dancing and music making to calm the nervous system and gain equipoise. Thankfully, there are many ensemble members skilled in these modalities. I have no doubt that trust will be re-established and flourish, enabling us to focus on preparations for the 2022 performances.

To conclude this month’s update, I want to thank Polycor, the owner of this quarry, for their continued support of this project. Without them, we would not be where we are today, literally and figuratively.

And to Jeanne Bisson, a potter par excellence who sent this quote and a message of love to me and the ensemble:

“But today well lived makes yesterday a dream of happiness
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day.” Salutation to dawn. Kalidasa

This quarry project has grown, evolved, adapted, because you have looked well to this day. You are loved and appreciated for the depths that you and your circle of people are creating.

Enjoy the heat, stay cool.

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