Composite Identity
Composite Identity is a 2 Act Performance commissioned by the University of South Carolina Aiken for one-night only in the 2023-24 South Carolina Series. Robyn is one of three artists from South Carolina featured in this series, among a musician and visual artist. Debuted at the Etherredge Center, Robyn tells her life story through movement, fabric, visual projections, music and spoken narrative. A truly multi-media piece, featuring new choreography and improvised movement. Although primarily a solo work, Robyn was joined by Foothills Dance Conservatory students for a reconstruction of her work Never Left, two duets, and a new comedic piece choreographed by the students. Special thanks to Paul Crooks, Kayla Gardner, and Isaac Calhoun.
Photo Credits: Shelly Schmidt
The Intent
Robyn carefully constructed this work to speak about matters close to the heart. She starts in her childhood, exposing issues of shame and legalism, while reliving sweet memories of home. Transitioning into complex feelings surrounding her parent’s divorce, loss of a family member, and the support from friends, she ends Act One ends with a haunting piece on body image and other people’s responsibility.
Act Two continues weaving intricate emotions surrounding the after effects of divorce through anxieties, addiction, loneliness, self-confidence, friendship, and love. A much needed laughter break brought by blow up dinosaurs, leads to a hopeful embodiment of being made new. Robyn describes the love and healing she found, being fully known, loved, and seen, by friends and her great God.
The Construction
Due to the limited funding and rehearsal time, Robyn worked mostly with herself. Because of this, she had to be creative with how she moved space via multi-media components. Each of the components was thoughtfully interwoven through the story, by its connection to the story.
There were a few parts.
Audio/visual - Using music from local SC Artists to pop-legends, Robyn overlayed tracks with her own recorded narration. She made visual projections from b roll and paired it with audio, for a more immersive audience experience.
Fabric - After much searching and testing colors and textures, Robyn decided on three pieces of white fabric to catch the visual projection, represent parts of life, and create expansive movement on the stage.
Costumes - The colors, textures, sizes, and shapes of the costumes were chosen to represent inner feelings, expression, and movement.
Choreography - While she was creating movement, Robyn was in studios improvising, writing in her journal, and choreographing. She spent over 48 hours in the studio, with more time spent watching rehearsal videos, reflecting, and modifying.
Many Thanks
Dancers - Robyn held virtual rehearsals with the students at FDC, eight of whom had learned and performed the work before, and two who were learning it for the first time. She considers it a privilege to lead rehearsal in Nyc with artists who are in SC. But she also experienced the challenges of restaging a dance via zoom. In addition to overcoming those challenges, Robyn handled the administrative tasks coordinating schedules, costumes, emailing information to parents and artists, and much more.
Robyn imparted some responsibility by asking the students to choreograph one piece and improvise duets. She designated a leader, coordinated music, concept, and costumes, and checked in from time to time.
All of the components came together for a beautiful bit of storytelling. With the story in mind, Robyn directed a few unconventional designs, the most notable of which was her choice to opt out of the traditional curtain call. She chose to leave the audience with a story. Hold the applause.
Etherredge Center - USC Aiken
Paul Crooks - Executive Director of the Etherredge Center
Kayla Gardner - Assistant Director/House Manager
Isaac Calhoun - Production Manager
Shelly Schmidt - Photographer
Lester Preiss - Videographer
Foothills Dance Conservatory - Dancers and Parents