Morgan Thorson  (MN)
Choreographic Fellow
February 7 - March 7, 2009

Research Topic:  ecstasy -- purity --  perfection -- paradise
Work in Development: Heaven

Thorson will research a new ensemble work exploring emotional and physical manifestations of ecstasy, gleaning forms and concepts from religious practices as strategies for creating the same state through dance.   "This project is inspired by the rigor and austerity of religious practices while decrying the barriers that religion creates. We will approach our research as a devotional practice allowing this intension to essentialize our communal purpose. Simplicity and economy can demonstrate how extreme restriction can be turned into powerful kinesthetic expressions.  This project seeks to create a performance that is the sum of perfect gestures and total sensory engagement."

Collaborators: Lenore Doxsee [lighting designer], Alan Sparhawk & Mimi Parker [sound designers], Justin Jones, Karen Sherman, Jessica Cressey, Chris Schlichting, Elliot Durko Lynch and Justin Leaf [dancers/singers]