A month ago

…I was in Oaxaca. Being awoken by a rooster daily. An occasional firecracker and “Las Mañanitas” being played for someone’s birthday at dawn. The air was cold enough to still make it difficult to get out of bed. Hot chocolate replaced coffee in the morning; fresh bread instead of toast. I only realize these subtle differences as my phone alarm wakes me and the wear of a daily routine goes with the feeling of “accomplishment” in the USA. The nuances of space and time in this relationship between memory and present lends into the complexity of identity thereafter—explored in dance.*

“desde aquí”
September 15+16, 2023
at
Red Eye Theater

A new evening dance piece.
Time and title (I’m still listening to what it wants to be called) will be cemented and details of those involved will be shared. For now, I offer you the intended date (because we are at the mercy of chance and circumstance). So if you are a planner you can mark it, or if you like flexibility, you can keep it in your periphery.

Until then, the rehearsals, conceptualizing, personnel, scratching of ideas, and creation of new ones is occurring. Most of this piece emerges from memory and possibility, of what being Mexican means. With memory it is not about duplicating or gripping onto lived experiences. More so, what is filtered through and is informing the present self. With possibility it is not about capitalizing or staying relevant. Instead, it is living through the anxiety of the unknown while approaching acceptance, of how and when we transform.

¡A más!

-José

Past emails, if you’ve missed them.

*José A. Luis a fiscal year 2023 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.