Refuge (2001)
Refuge, a short dance video, explores the disruption of identity within a traumatic event. The historic incident that inspired the work was the sinking of the Jewish refugee vessel, the Struma, off the coast of Turkey in 1942. On board were 759 Romanian & Russian Jews who were seeking political asylum in Palestine. All but one passenger died.
The video narrates the disintegration of identity of the passengers as they flee their homes and move towards their final fate at sea. The two figures, each on parallel journeys, carry a single object, a vestige of their past life and a representation of the 10 kilos allowed each passenger.
Refuge was awarded with a Certificate of Distinction by the American Dance Festival's Dancing for the Camera: International Festival of Film and Video Dance.
Screenings
- SEP 2001 - Laban Centre, London, England
- FEB 2002 - Choreography Now, Chicago, Illinois
- JUL 2002 - Dancing for the Camera Festival at the American Dance Festival, Durham, North Carolina
- MAY 2002 - Post, Viaduct Theater, Chicago, Illinois
Credits
- Artistic Direction/Choreography by Carrie Hanson
- Videography by Terry Brooks
- Postproduction by Acclaim Media
- Performed by Susan Hoffman and Doug Stapleton
- Sound design by Dave Pavkovic
- Vocal design by Louise Cloutier