Inspired by the photograph of a partially illuminated door and the famous essay On the brevity of life (49 AD) by the philosopher Seneca, Skin is a dreamlike reflection on the value and duration of human existence in the face of geological time and the violent fluctuations inherent in nature. The play explores the theme of the satisfaction of living through five formally distinct segments, each one proposing a singular scenographic universe.

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The project has been created through several stages. We used the Six Viewpoint improvisation technique to generate gesture and develop the ensemble made up of Jennie Herbin, Carina Rose, Joseph Shragge, Emma Tibaldo, and Viewpoints leader Leslie Baker. In the mean time, text was developed through writing intensives with Joseph, Emma and Leslie. Concurrently, Leslie created a ten-part structure and placed the gestures discovered through improvisation within this structure.

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The trio then began placing the text within the structure, followed by the ensemble rehearsing the combination of the physicality and text, making adjustments to the placement of material. Carina, also an architect, started working on the set and costume design, adjusting the design alongside the creation of the work. Video was then layered in, as well as sound by Peter Cerone and Michael Leon and finally lighting by Luc Prairie. Overall, the process of creation has been highly collaborative and co-created, with each member of the team focusing on their specialty.

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Created by: Leslie Baker with co-creators Emma Tibaldo and Joseph Shragge

in collaboration with Carina Rose and Jennie Herbin

Sound design : Peter-Cerone & Michael Leon

Set & Costume Design: Carina Rose and Leslie Baker

Lighting design: Luc Prairie

Video design: Leslie Baker, Peter Cerone & Kate Hagemeyer

Original video footage: Than Thein

Stage Management: Kate Hagemeyer

 

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