this system is a living-ghost
that knows what is dead in life
what is alive in detritus
rejecting, absorbing
repercussions of the fake-real
and layers of data to sense through
touching truths that don’t abide by logic
awake in dreams
and online when all else is disrupted
What does it mean to have a critically engaged nervous system? What intuitive and predictive technologies do bodyminds hold, and how do they help realize personal truths (what we don’t yet know we know)? This offering is a sci-fi-inspired multi-sensory stim, a personal reflection on the ways our sensitive systems intertwine with surroundings—how they collapse time, reorganize, spin out, and regulate. It brings together video, sound, text, and movement elements, which we have gathered and arranged again and again throughout the pandemic.
Apogee is climax at a distance.
Content + Photosensitivity Warning: This performance features loud sound and multiple video projections including footage that is shaky and quickened with fast cuts and flashing visuals; it may not be safe for those who experience seizures, motion sickness, or dizziness.
Access for Live Performances: All performances will include captions for pre-recorded sound. ASL will be provided for at least one performance. Additional access details are forthcoming.
Access for Virtual Performance: A video version of this performance will include captions and audio description.
In-person performances of this work will take place at PICA on September 30 and October 1 and 2 at 7:00 PM each night. Seating is limited for these in-person performances, as such, if you would like to attend please make a free reservation through your Festival pass confirmation email or contact the TBA:21 Box Office.
Emily Jones and Hannah Krafcik make performances and facilitate movement practices together. They are white settlers residing on the unceded lands of the Cowlitz, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Clackamas, and many other Tribes, also known today as Portland, OR. Hannah (they/them) is a neurodivergent dancer and writer. Emily (she/they) is a dancer, movement educator, and bodyworker. The artists’ long-standing collaboration is driven by considering how power dynamics impact their bodyminds and behaviors.
Sound design, music, and video editing by Hannah Krafcik
Videography by Hannah Krafcik with contributions from Emily Jones
Dramaturgy by Allie Hankins
Lighting design by Jeff Forbes
Captions by Cheryl Green
Videography and editing of virtual performance by Evan Benally Atwood
Audio description for virtual performance by Hannah Krafcik and Emily Jones with consulting by Cheryl Green
Emily and Hannah are wearing 8 palms, Big Bud Press, and second hand clothes.
In addition to these collaborators, we extend deep gratitude to Linda Austin and Stephanie Lavon Trotter of Performance Works NW for their tremendous support. We are grateful to our Alembic Artist Residency Cohort—maximiliano, Maura Campbell-Balkits, and Marissa Rae Niederhauser—for their generous feedback and for inspiring us throughout the development of this performance. Thanks to Mickey Sanchez for technical and creative assistance.
SPONSORSHIP
This performance was made possible through the Alembic Artist Residency at Performance Works NW and with support from the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art.