What I liked
Jana’s authenticity and ability to be so present within the story. There were moments as she was recounting certain memories that I felt she was truly reliving those memories in real time—as if the audience wasn’t there.
The combination of spoken word, physical movement, and visual and audio elements created an extremely dynamic and performance. It kept me leaned in as an audience member.
What I didn't like
It’s so special as it is in this moment.
But I had a few curiosities and I wonder if they’re worth exploring?
(Jana I’m assuming you’re reading this, so from now on I’m addressing you as you hahahah)
-There’s a moment when you’re sitting at the table. I believe the lights turn green and music with a heavy beat plays and you break out in movement that feels thrashy/charged. I’m having trouble remembering specifics, but I remember thinking how beautiful it was and wanting that moment to last longer.
-Overall, the piece compliments spoken word and movement so well. They exist one after the other really seamlessly, but I noticed that they tend to happen independently—spoken word happens, there’s a shift, and then movement happens. (*which if that’s done intentionally please disregard my paragraph below. I could totally see a narrative where the two don’t happen simultaneously because in a way, dance wasn’t truly allowed to be a part of your life in the way that you wanted it to be as you’re recounting it? Idk now I’m rambling)
I am kind of curious what would happen if you played with combining them at moments? Even if it’s subtle gesture work happening while you’re speaking. I think it could be interesting to see what happens? How it adds or takes away power in the words you’re saying? Something to explore maybe!
My overall impression
To be vulnerable within yourself or to a person close to you is one thing—to be vulnerable in front of a crowd is another. I entered this performance knowing very little about Jana’s history, and I left feeling like I had known her for years. Her ability to share her story through words, movement, sound, moments of relatability, and moments of learning created a performance that felt dynamic and fully alive. Her story is incredibly special and unique on its own, but it was through her story-telling that I was fully captivated. I cannot wait to see how this piece evolves and grows over time! Congratulations Jana on an incredible creation!
