September 2025 Update

Photo: Julia Barstow

On September 13, we had a very successful test run of the development stage of Forest. 5 of the scenes, 4 dancers, and 22 witnesses for the morning and afternoon runs. I am including Julia Barstow’s photo of the Suitcase Scene that drew lots of laughter from those watching.  

A few days after the test run, I visited the Downer State Forest with Tim Morton, the forester in charge, to look at the sites I had selected and make sure the flagging was clear. After walking on the quiet road through this forest run by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Tim said that, after so many years in this forest, he is experiencing the place differently, in a deeper way after imagining the dance amongst the trees. Ah, just what I hope and work for in site-specific work. 

In early October, the full ensemble of 12 dancers will meet in Hubbard Park for the day to train, play, learn 3 of the dances, put on costumes and dance the the choreography amongst those majestic trees.

Next month, I will have a few snippets of film that Jude Domski took at the test run as well as excerpts of the written responses from the witnesses. Watch for an opportunity to donate online via the new platform Zeffy. Happily, I found this organization in Montreal. 100% of donations go to Forest.

Enjoy this fall weather,

Hannah