Farther and Farther On

(2006)

Farther and Farther On. Photo by Kirsten McTernan.

A quiet theatre piece that examines the disintegration of a relationship through text, sound and movement. A lover has committed a final act, and the resulting effects are felt in both real and imagined time. The story spans the past through the present and moves into a surreal future. The final act does not change with the passing of time nor do its ramifications. What do change throughout the piece, however, are the situations for the watcher to recognize themselves with every sculpted breath, word and movement performed on stage. The carefully placed holes in the narrative draw on the experiences of every person who has dared to love and lose, and then dream of loving again. Described by the co-creators as a "still life" with actors, Farther and Farther On examines a relationship of two persons in a state of flux and absence.

Based on the haunting and playful poem of Lev Rubinstein, the performance yields multiple interpretations and narrative loops as a quiet drama of everyday thoughts, actions, and imaginations unfolds, with the performers stepping through landscapes of words and silence to a conclusion of ambiguity and subtle daring: love at last!

Farther and Farther On was co-produced by the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales, directed by James Tyson and performed by James Long and Maiko Yamamoto. Visual design by Barbara Clayden and music by Veda Hille and Stefan Smulovitz.