un/tethered
un/tethered is composed of three distinct parts: alone, mother, and together, each of which can be experienced individually and will premiere in Denver over the course of 2024, culminating in a durational, epic work in 2025.
In development since October 2022, un/tethered is inspired by the work of prolific environmental scientists, eco-psychologists, indigenous communities, activists, writers, and others, and marries high quality performing arts with participation -- tasks incorporating environmental and psychological reflection, expression, and ritual. This partnership transforms the audience from removed spectator to empathetic participant. un/tethered is HOLDTIGHT’s most sustainable production to date, incorporating natural elements such as food-scrap dyed set pieces and costumes, reclaimed set materials and more.
together : un/tethered
“While the artistry and talent present in this show is high quality, what most impressed me the powerful commitment to the audience.”
— Alex Miller, Onstage Colorado
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together : un/tethered:
together : un/tethered explores our ties to the world and each other. These tethers connect us, but can be altered, cut and reconnected. Weaving movement, live and original music, immersive theater, personal narrative, visual arts and participation, the audience is taken on an evocative journey to celebrate grief and joy.
Inspired by the work of prolific environmental scientists, eco-psychologists, indigenous communities, activists, writers, and others, un/tethered marries high quality performing arts with participation -- tasks incorporating environmental and psychological reflection, expression, and ritual. This partnership transforms the audience from removed spectator to empathetic participant.
together : un/tethered, made its World Premiere in April at The Studio Loft at The Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Arts Complex in Denver, Colorado with the support of Denver Arts & Venues.
together : un/tethered Cast & Collaborators:
Direction, Concept, & Performance: Gwendolyn Gussman
Musical Direction, Sound Designer, Composer & Performance: Daniel Weidlein
Set Design, Installation & Creative Collaboration: Maki Teshima
Lighting Design, Production Management, & Creative Collaboration: Alex Taylor
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Divya Maus
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Amanda Wallace
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Claire Westby
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Dervla Carey-Jones
Creative Collaborator & Performance: Xenia Mansour
Creative Collaborator & Performance: Nico Gonzales
Creative Collaborator & Performance: Xochitl Portillo
Creative Collaborator & Performance: Bailey Harper
Stage Manager: Emma Kimball
mother : un/tethered
mother description coming soon!
mother : un/tethered Cast & Collaborators:
Direction, Concept, & Performance: Gwendolyn Gussman
Musical Direction, Sound Designer, Composer & Performance: Daniel Weidlein
Lighting Design, Production Management, & Creative Collaboration: Alex Taylor
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Divya Maus
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Amanda Wallace
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Claire Westby
Creative Collaboration & Performance: Dervla Carey-Jones
alone : un/tethered
alone, the inaugural section of un/tethered, intricately weaves the themes of somatic wisdom and nature's innate knowledge, elevating these over conventional logic. It's a narrative that unfurls the miracles found in solitude, celebrating personal awakenings and the beauty in unexpected realizations. This segment artfully challenges the concept of isolation and individuality, suggesting an ever-present, albeit invisible, connection to the larger world.
alone : un/tethered Cast & Collaborators:
Direction, Concept, & Performance: Gwendolyn Gussman
Musical Direction, Sound Designer, Composer & Performance: Daniel Weidlein
Lighting Design, Production Management, & Creative Collaboration: Alex Taylor
Stage Manager: Emma Kimball
