Aftertense

Aftertense navigates connection and expressiveness through relational abstraction and attention to gesture. The work constructs insider/outsider relationships through the performative presence of a witness, indexing the question what it means to be understood. Within a feminist standpoint, Aftertense interrogates the politics of voice and clarity. A cellophane border marks the downstage perimeter, creating an ever-present structure, imposed and mutable. The dancers settle with one another, push against one another, and yearn towards connection; tender moments of hands touching slip away to reaching again.

Performance by Garianna Clinton-Nelson, Fabiola Castaneda-Santiago, Natalie Prill
Original score composed by Brian Orozco
Costume design by Julianna Wacchter

Space Place Theater, Iowa City, IA
Duration 10:00
December 2024
Photos by Alex Bush and Brian Orozco