The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and MacArthur Award winning choreographer discuss the inspiration behind their collaborative work, Angel Reapers, here on video:
And, through an interview with Boston Globe writer Jeffrey Gantz:
“What interested me so much,’’ the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright explains, “was really trying to deny that sex existed. I mean, it just goes against nature. Men and women had no contact, really, but they did have meetings where they would sit on opposite sides of the room, and they would drink spiritual wine, which is no wine. It’s imaginary. They would get drunk; they would dance. They believed that if you danced naked, you were invisible.’’
Read more here.
Angel Reapers runs Nov 29-Dec 11. Purchase tickets here.
Both Ms. Clarke and Mr. Uhry are obviously putting their own distorted views on to Shaker history. I saw this “musical” in Boston and have reviewed it. I found it full of false and offensive assumptions. Would they write such a show about Catholic nuns or Jewish rabbis dancing naked? I doubt it. Then why treat the Shakers so unfairly and inaccurately?
Your well-expressed comments about Angel Reapers lend insight to the production. It will certainly be compelling for audiences to consider the work from the historical perspective that you raise. In other words, is the work’s eroticism an accurate depiction of the Shakers, or is it gratuitous? Either way, in your balanced criticism, thanks for pointing out the beauty of the Shaker music. Can you possibly point us to a larger audience that would be interested in hearing this music performed live?
I would suggest you look at this site for more information: http://www.americanmusicpreservation.com/shakermusic.htm