Inside the Pillow Lab: Joanna Kotze

During her residency, Joanna Kotze continued development on "this is the beginning, this is the end," a multidisciplinary work exploring the phenomenon of history repeating itself—personally, artistically, and politically. Set in motion by the cyclical nature of societal crises and individual experience, the work unfolds through intricate movement and sonic landscapes, performed by an ensemble of six dancers and two musicians. The piece holds space for chaos and order, familiarity and disruption, asking what it means to rebuild in the wake of collapse. Kotze is collaborating with dancers Lena Engelstein, Wendell Gray II, Molly Heller, Symara Sarai, and Hsiao-Jou Tang; musicians Jennae Santos and Ryan Seaton; and writer-in-residence Lauren Slone. Together, they are advancing the project through improvisational practices, structured material, and reflection on past and present strategies for survival and change. Dates: March 5-16, 2025 Directed and produced by Nel Shelby Productions. The 2024-2025 Pillow Labs received lead support from: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation © 2024 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Inc.