Getting Into Character

One of my favorite things about IBYTTDIAY (and CDE in general), is the emphasis on interdisciplinary work.  The final product will draw from dance, theater, writing, and an original score. 

Several months ago, CDE put out a call for letters from the public that were never meant to be sent. We received all sorts of submissions ranging from deeply introspective to forcefully confrontational.  We grouped these letters into different emotional brackets, the embodiments of which will appear in performance.

Everyone involved in this project has a different artistic background.  Some are dancers, some actors, but through these last several months, we’ve all been able to learn from each other’s strengths and draw on our own to influence our individual characters. 

I portray, ‘Grief’.  My initial inspiration for this character came in shape of broad ideas and concepts, which with the help of Sara and my cast-mates has formed into a specific physical story.

One of the biggest challenges for me during this process has been to find specificity and not simply rely on the idea of what I’m trying to convey. Watching everyone else’s process and working to combine so many different artistic mediums towards one goal has been such a rewarding journey. ​

​- Sarah Franzel

See Sarah perform as, 'Grief,' in, i bet you think this dance is about you!

Opening soon!
May 3-18
Friday & Saturday, 8pm

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Sarah Franzel is delighted to be working with CDE yet again after appearing in Ethereal Abandonment and the Adventures of Ricky the Rabbit (collaboration with Chicago parks district). She has worked with various companies in Maine and Chicago including Theater at Monmouth, Harborside Shakespeare, City Lit, EDGE, and Unrehearsed Shakespeare.
Photography by Matthew Gregory Hollis

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