What Peñasco provided me with was time and space—not just a physical structure, but meditative space—which in my opinion are the two most crucial needs for developing mature work. I came from a rigorous studio arts practice which had prepared me with my own research interests and the tools of experimentation. From there, it was a matter of entering the environment both directed and open minded, allowing my visceral
reactions to penetrate and the choreographic process to build upon itself. In this harsh desert territory, so different from the lush greenery I grew up with, I found myself running, climbing and hiking, noticing the difference in atmosphere, air and water, in how my energy adapted and changed. I value travel as a way to remove myself from anything I might take for granted, and this was was truly what I experienced at Peñasco. In a sense, the desert landscape provided my “Five Obstructions”, its challenges and differences creating, if not forcing, a generative response. I found myself painting ships, whales, seeds, and earth…their value changed as they became scarce and distant. Meditations on water emerged throughout the show I developed; I learned that I must adapt certain monologues to each new environment I perform in. I also felt encouraged by the social mission of WiseFool to address issues somewhat politically, and felt as if I was creating something for an engaged and compassionate audience.”… Read More at Sarah’s Blog
Penasco Theater Residency by Sarah Muehlbauer
