Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness
Part of: Gabriela Ortiz
Performers
The Crossing
Donald Nally, Conductor
Alejandro Escuer, Flute
Svet Stoyanov, Percussion
Ksenija Komljenović, Percussion
Shane Roderick, Percussion
Mingyu Son, Percussion
Julia Krohn, Performer
Larry S. White II, Performer
Dancers from The Ailey School and Flight Path Dance Project
Gabriela Ortiz, Composer
James Drake, Visual Art
Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Text
Harrison Guy, Choreographer
Adam Holender, Photography
Stephen Jiménez, Producer and Director
Event Duration
The program will last approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness
Five years ago, I was introduced to the work of artist James Drake, including his breathtaking large drawing Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness. How could I say “no” to a collaboration that took his provocative, timeless masterpiece as a starting point?
From there, our small group explored a five-part poetic text by Benjamin Sáenz that inspired me to compose Tierra parts 1 and 2. I was fascinated by Ben’s exploration of the “point of view” of the Earth herself. What might Tierra’s perceptions be of our endless human activities and devastations in the name of progress and wealth?
Our team of collaborators grew as we experimented with different forms of artistic practice in search of a common language for a live performance. From our early residencies in rural Wyoming and the border city of El Paso, Texas, and eventually Santa Fe, Houston, and Philadelphia, we shared a vision—not to mention the rare luxury—of “living in the question” of the themes that are most urgent and compelling to us as artists. How can we begin to approach the subjects of forgiveness and healing in a world torn apart by violence and conflict?
From reflecting on the scars of the Earth, our conversations and dialogue proceeded naturally to the wounds we human beings inflict on each other. Is there a way to find hope in the face of so much brutality? James’s art and Ben’s poetry gave us subtle clues about transforming suffering into healing. Ben dared to contemplate the possibility of “dreaming the end of war.” We were further inspired by the magnificent voices of The Crossing, and the passionate dedication of the young dancers and singers who joined the collaboration.
By its very nature, Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness is an ongoing work in progress. As artists, we are committed to exploring the risks, the potential, and the thrilling possibilities of stepping outside our usual comfort zones. How else can we know the true meaning of collaboration unless we keep trying it? Or, for that matter, exploring what it means to forgive?
—Gabriela Ortiz