In our second theatrical performance, Artistic Director Jared Baker draws on the personal reflections of the Nova Linea dancers on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Inspired by an essay by Julio Gambuto, written in April of 2020, Baker offers us perspectives of different individuals and their own stories, experiences and feelings regarding “The Great Pause”. In the first act, we are transported back to the early days of the pandemic, along with the feelings of fear, confusion, isolation, loneliness, and the extreme need for normalcy. Following intermission, Baker examines whether or not the “old normal” was really in the best interest of us all.

Without taking anything away from the loss and pain of the pandemic, we can all agree that there were some positive impacts of staying home. In this time, we dug deep and decided what mattered most to us. It gave us the opportunity to develop new habits and implement them into our lives. Baker hopes that this piece can serve as a reminder that as our lives continue to go back to “normal”, that we don’t forget the clarity that the pause brought to all of us.

*Strobe light warning for photo-sensitive viewers.