A paragraph of text describing the performance concept:

For our performance, we decided to combine the venus fly trap idea with the limbs idea. There would be a venus fly trap creature at the center of the stage. Unlike an actual venus fly trap, which has its flaps moving up and down, we decided to go with left and right trapping/interlocking movements, such as when you interlock your fingers together. And surrounding the central creature would be the roots/limbs that move in their own repeated motions. Ideally, the limbs/roots would be off the ground. The venus fly trap creature would be hanging, but have it’s stem/body touching the ground and expanded/blown up with a fan. During the performance, we were thinking of a lunch hour situation, where smaller creatures from the back end of kresge move towards and gets consumed by the bigger creature on the stage. And once all the smaller creatures are consumed, the venus fly trap creature follows up with an ending dance that takes it to a food coma slumber.

A brief discussion of any specific roles assumed by individuals within the group:

  • Nathan: Making of the roots/limbs surrounding the bigger structure
  • Judy: Making the bigger structure/creature
  • Both: Making the smaller creatures that would eventually be consumed by the bigger creature.

A listing of specific milestones: (We will be looking to see identifiable progress each week. Please carefully consider the ordering so that the greatest uncertainties are resolved early)

Week 1, 3/17: Development of smaller scaled fabric pieces based on the different parts. Reach an agreement with a final design. Start ordering pieces/materials for the final development if possible. Perform small scaled rigging test if possible.

Week 2, 3/24: Making measurements and cut/sewn-parts/shirring diagrams. Initial development of final piece. Have materials ordered by now. Perform small scaled rigging test and explore movement ideas.

Week 3, 3/31: Dyeing/Shibori Resist Dyeing parts of the bigger structure. Figure out size of balls/discs for shibori resist dyeing. Continual development of fabric pieces from week 1. Come up with a finalized performance idea/movement.

Week 4, 4/7: Putting fabric pieces together and further/final development.

Week 5, 4/14: Finalize developments of fabric pieces/creatures. Start rigging test of individual parts of the performance before doing rigging test of all the pieces.

Week 6, 4/ 21: Complete more tests and modify performance/rigging at Kresge.

Week 7, 4/28: Complete more tests and modify performance/rigging at Kresge.

An estimated “Bill of Materials” listing expected material usage and any special materials or parts to be acquired. We would prefer you work from our textile supply as much wherever possible, but there may be accessories you need.

  • Dowels (¼” – ½”), 5 quantity
  • Tubing (Amount TBD)
  • Foam Balls(1”-2”), 20 – 25 quantity or Wooden Discs
  • Muslin fabric from textile supply (Amount TBD)
  • Polyester Organza fabric from textile supply (Amount TBD)
  • One Fan
  • String/Lines for rigging/attachments