A Tonal Caress was an interdisciplinary, contemporary dance production that included a collaboration with Deaf, sign language poet Walter Kadiki; choreography by Charlotte Boye-Christensen; a ‘mass of men’ moving installation by artist Gary Vlasic; and placement/choreography of audience, set, lighting and sound that, together communicated to both hearing and non-hearing audience members.
In describing the catalyst for A Tonal Caress, artistic director Charlotte Boye-Christensen states, “While we as humans share a symphony of language, touch and fleeting looks that is truly remarkable, it still seems inadequate in the face of the infinite complexities between individuals and societies. Most evident presently, the divisiveness of our sociopolitical climate has created a sense of urgency around the notion that we must find better ways to connect and communicate with each other… The intent of combining choreography with sign language is to investigate how we communicate and alternate between the gross representations of expression and the subtle gesture as fleeting opportunity for connection. In this work, we aim to seek a deep communicative connection for both deaf and hearing audience and communities.”
Thank you to Jan Andrews and Bruce Caldwell for the footage and to Jan Andrews for editing this short version of "A Tonal Caress". The full version will be coming soon!