Locations

Doug and I scouted a couple locations for Prospect & Refuge while I was in Meadville these past two weeks. I am grateful to Mr. Jones and Mr. Tucker for allowing us to explore the old farm house and factory respectively.

The farm house is falling down, dangerous only if one is not aware of the surroundings, and otherwise totally seductive. The owner told us a few stories about the place and expressed difficulty in having the place torn down...

not because of logistics, but because it is a piece of history and it is difficult being the one responsible for eradicating it. At one time it was a lovely home. It currently sits in a pasture, providing storage for hay and a temptation to passers by. With Mr. Jones' permission, Doug and I gave in to temptation and explored.

I do not think it advisable to actually dance in the house. The structure itself could make for some great footage generally speaking, and the dancers could safely be placed within the structure. I continue to dream.

The factory was absolutely wonderful! There are many spaces that could easily be used for performance (with some rehab). One building in particular struck Doug and we explored it at length. A heart felt Thanks! to Mr. Tucker for giving us a tour, talking to us about the rehabilitation of old factory/warehouse facilities, and allowing us to explore further on our own.

I definitely want to go back to the factory with the dancers. Doug and I are hoping to do so in October when the Company is there to perform MOLT at Allegheny College.

What I found particularly enticing about both spaces is the manner in which nature is reclaiming the sites. In both cases plant life was in relative abundance (all it takes is a little moisture) and animal life had clearly taken up residence (just like the wood chuck in my garage and the skunk under my porch).

Ideas abound in such places and I am indebted to Doug for doing all of the leg work and making arrangements for us to see the spaces. Others were not accessible to us and the hunt continues in PA while, in OH, Antaeus Dance prepares for upcoming appearances in the Playhouse Square Dance Showcase, Tremont Arts & Culture Festival, and CPT's Pandemonium.

Joan

Photos by Joan Meggitt