Spectral Series
The Spectral series is centered around a set of crocheted garments called the “crochet monster” and an interest in the allegory of ‘ghosts’ and ephemeral occupation.
Spectral Suspension
Spectral Suspension is second in a series focused on the performance of hauntology as an exertion of power within a space. It captures a new moment in the construction and configuration of the “crochet monster” garments as they reconfigure and remember a space.
Spectral Actions
Spectral Actions was an initial improv-based performance trio. Using modified authentic movement and butoh practices the work asked performers to remain attentive to somatic impulses and then amplify them to satisfy louder performative desires. The performance state is based on the idea of undoubted doing and leads to a repetitious exploration of self, space, and material.
Ghosts are used as a framing device in this work. Running the literary gambit, apparitions act out of malice or attempt to reclaim something out of trauma. They lend enough of a trope for an audience to recognize the potential consequence of an outburst created by the score. This is all to say, Spectral Actions is about seeing people haunt some shit.
More conceptually, it is a consideration of ‘will’ in all its definitions tied to future, wish, and agency. The focus is on “what does it mean to see a pseudo-will performed?” and less on vague, philosophical, and typical self-centered questions like “Do I have free will?”.
Production info
Choreography by Catherine Eng in collaboration with performers
Performed by Eleanor Lougee-Heimer, Sarah Finn, and Catherine Eng
Costumes by Catherine Eng
Performed ESTIA Fest Fall 2022