Poetry of Gesture: Vocalise
Presentation I: Vocalise (2023)
Premiered on February 3, 2023 at Beckett Rosset’s underground salon in the West Village, NYC.
Written Poem (Libretto) archival ink on paper [not pictured] / Backdrop 20ft x 16ft, acrylic on unbleached muslin / Poster watercolor and graphite on paper , 22” x 18” / Costume Hand altered cotton and linen dress with hand sewn tulle trimming, blue chiffon head wrap, red silk scarf, custom white Freed of London pointe shoes with added double facing white satin ribbon / Choreography by Ellen Frances (using historically accurate pantomime) / Musical composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff, (adapted for the presentation)
(Black and white performance photos courtesy of Matt Street)
Poetry of Gesture
This performance art project is derived from Ellen Frances’s decades-long studio practices, coupled with extensive research into multifaceted theatrical productions from antiquity to the post-war eras. Each presentation is a written poem, told to the audience using pantomime in front of large-scale painted backdrops. This project has appeared in the Brooklyn Rail and the New York Times. It was featured at VOLTA International Art Fair, Spring 2023.
For information on upcoming shows of performance and paintings go to Events.