photo by Maria Baranova

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A dot of light turns into a line, into a shape, into words. Writing becomes a physical act. Easels swirl in an intersectional flipchart ballet that unpacks the legal, social, and political dimensions of adult literacy in the United States. In this ensemble lecture, performers weave personal stories, handmade infographics, and histories of discrimination and disenfranchisement.

THE SPACE BETWEEN THE LETTERS is a devised, evening-length performance that takes an in-depth look at literacy and its socio-political implications. Based on extensive research and interviews conducted with adult students and teachers at local literacy organizations, the performance explores the ways in which education can provide tools for civic empowerment. 

Weaving together recorded interviews and personal stories, live-drawing and interactive video, music and choreography, TSBTL translates a wealth of research data into a live, audiovisual experience. 

In order to make the performance accessible, it can be adapted to a variety of spaces. 

Performance History

HERE Arts Center
New York City
March 2019

The Public Theatre
New York City
Incoming! Under the Radar Festival
January 2019

JACK Brooklyn
May 2018

South Oxford Space
FINDINGS series by The Civilians’ Research & Development Group
Brooklyn
May 2018

Performance Team

Created by Eva von Schweinitz in collaboration with the ensemble

Ensemble: Lanxing Fu, Claire Moodey, Nicolas Noreña, Reynaldo Piniella, Jonelle Robinson, Paul “P-Funk” Stallings, Chris White
Choreographer: KatieRose McLaughlin
Set Designer: Dan Daly
Sound Designer/Composer: Jonah Rosenberg
Costume Designer: Karen Boyer
Lighting Designer: Alejandro Fajardo
Creative Coder: Sebastian Gonzalez Dixon
Easel Demon: Tyler Caffall
Stage Manager: Violet Tafari

Developed with additional contributions by Esther Bermann, John Gasper, Lindsay Hockaday, Gavin Price, Sam Silbiger, Courtney Williams & Eleni Zaharopoulos.