The Lost Tensions is a site-specific piece staged in water. It was created for the reflecting pool at the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University but could easily be presented in any shallow fountain or public pool with a shallow end. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the piece was originally conceived of as a companion piece to Needles. It has two main characters -- Wilhelm and Largo the One Arm -- and a chorus who comment in action rather than words. This chorus of gesturers comprises Harvesters, Mute Bodies and Dancing Girls, and can range anywhere from 4 to 24 people.

The work, like Needles inspired by Christopher Bollas, is about a man who chooses a life of ritual and order over pain and brilliance. One of the interesting aspects of this work is that it allows for the participation of the community. The main characters are played by members from the company, but the chorus of gesturers has been written to incorporate both members from the company and when possible members from the community where the work is being staged.

PRODUCTION HISTORY . . . April 1998, Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Photograph by Tom Bigbee