WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
It’s our opening night at Steppenwolf Theatre’s LookOut Series with the world premiere of The Space Between by Lisa Coons. Up out of our chairs through the renowned direction of Mark DeChiazza, this theatrical work expounds on social interactions and power dynamics of many different stripes – and does so as much with our bodies as our instruments.
We’re hooked on composer Lisa R. Coons and director Mark DeChiazza because they are risk-takers…but also because The Space Between is a collaboration three years in the making.
This project has us venturing into uncharted territory: a space in which not only our sound, but our bodies and voices interact. One in which we’re not confined by chairs or stands, and the edges of the stage are permeable. Moments of tenderness, solitude, conflict, virtuosity, and discovery abound in this theatrical work – and born from these physical gestures, the sonic landscape spans from the crunch of pure noise to the rapture of ethereal beauty.
Orpheus Unsung by Steven Mackey – directed and choreographed by Mark DeChiazza
The Space Between workshop with composer Lisa Coons and director Mark DeChiazza
Though the piece was initially prompted by Lisa’s own experience of social silencing, The Space Between expounds on social interactions and power dynamics of many different stripes. The fact that it does so with our entire selves rather than just our playing is what’s so striking, and those that have seen Mark DeChiazza’s excellent work with Kronos Quartet and Eighth Blackbird know they’re in for a visual feast.
PROGRAM
The Space Between (2019) (world premiere) – Lisa R. Coons (composer) & Mark DeChiazza (director/choreographer)
Support for The Space Between is provided by:
Spektral Quartet’s 2019-20 concert season is supported by the generosity of the following foundations and governmental agencies. We are so grateful for this funding, and for the support of the many individuals who give to our organization. If you are interested in supporting our work, please visit spektralquartet.com/donate to learn more.
