(left) The Whirling Gift,
drawing by David Lamson,
1948, New York State Museum.
(below left) Alessandra Ferri and
Herman Cornejo in Chéri, 2013.
(background) Angel Reapers,
American Dance Festival, 2010.
(bottom right) Herman Cornejo,
Alessandra Ferri, and Martha Clarke
at the first rehearsal for Chéri, 2013.
The men and women
lived apart... Sex was
not allowed. They
experienced a kind
of release through
song and dance.
13
S: What kinds of sources did you draw on for inspiration
in Angel Reapers?
S: Do you ever find that research that you’re doing for
other projects creeps into the rehearsal room?
MC: Alfred and I read several books on the Shakers and made
MC: In every piece you leave a little DNA that seeps into the
some field trips to Hancock Shaker Village and the museum in
next work. There are ideas to further investigate. There is a
New Lebanon. A lot of source material also came from photos
continuity of impulse whether it lives in Chéri, Angel Reapers,
of architecture, furniture, and wonderful 19th century prints.
or Hieronymus Bosch. In a wonderful book on Fellini he says
The testimonies of the followers of Ann Lee, the founder of
about his films that those that were received less well, he loved
the Shaker movement, were also a terrific source. They tell
more. His films were all his children and those less popular
why people left secular life to join the Shaker community.
needed more love. My residency at Signature has given me
She recently played Pirate Jenny in my
The men and women lived apart. Men worked in shops and in
a home base. I can delve into new work and know I will be
production of Threepenny Opera. The dances
the field. Women were responsible for their domestic lives,
encouraged and supported… a safe haven for 5 years! n
are simple but very rhythmic. Often the cast
the kitchen, the sewing and washing. Sex was not allowed.
is singing a hymn while pounding out a
They experienced a kind of release through song and dance.
contrasting rhythm in their heavy shoes.
The style seems a good fit for me as I like the unadorned.
S: How will the performers’ Shaker costumes
influence their movement?
S: What are you looking forward to in the rehearsal room
for Angel Reapers?
MC: Donna Zakowska has pulled together a pure
MC: Hard work and good laughs! The rehearsal process is al-
Shaker look. The women’s dresses are long and
ways the most fun. It is often hard, but the “gift” to use Shaker
plain. The bodices have a bib that conceals the
language... to spend hours and days with wonderful perform-
natural curves of a woman’s body. Their hair is
ers and collaborators is almost always a reward in itself! I know
hidden in crisp white caps. The men are in
new material will be added in song, text, and choreography.
period frock coats with large dark hats.
There are new performers as well so again each role will be in-
The clothing looks similar to the Amish.
fluenced with fresh input. It is exciting to have the opportunity
The clothes are not sexy!
to reexamine Angel Reapers. I look forward to the unknown.
14