Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Lead Artist Lorianne (Barclay) Robertson shares about her character.
1. What role/character will you be dancing in Reckless?
Gomer’s Intellect. The person of Gomer is told in multiple facets so that the audience gets to see the internal complexity and struggles she faces in this story.
2. How did you research/prepare for your role? What is something that stood out to you in your research?
A lot of research has been done on the book of Hosea, trafficking, and testimonies of people in the industry or pulled out of it. In addition, I have been researching how some of the issues in the ballet directly influence the mind so I can more fully understand how to show that aspect.
3. Describe the movement/style of the choreography. Is it different/the same as what you've done before? What is the most challenging aspect of the ballet?
For my character, Reckless has been very different than other Ballet 5:8 works. A lot of my dancing is done in conjunction with the other dancers playing Gomer, or people who interact with Gomer. Because of this, the movement is very communicative to show her intellect and communal to show the complete person of Gomer. I think the most challenging aspect of the ballet is the pace at which things are changing, influencing, and tainting Gomer. It feels as though I’m growing my character every few minutes or seconds into something new.
4. Why should audiences see Reckless?
Audiences should see Reckless because it is a story that affects our community much more than we would like to think. Even more so, the story of Reckless shows us the most amazing demonstration of love—the kind of love we all crave and need, and the kind we should all hope to show others. My personal prayer is that this ballet grows a heart of compassion in ourselves and our audiences, and inspires wisdom to help stop the trafficking industry both in our country and across the world.