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Ouroboros

Ouroboros follows the cusp of the 12 astrological signs. Each segment represents its own sign; following them backwards from Pisces, and ending with Ares. Segments increasing in time and performers in relation to the scene number, it pauses a question. How do these 12 signs interconnect? How do they come round to end where they started?

Rehearsal Process

We started the process by researching traits related to each astrology sign, as well as their representing symbols. We were immediately intrigued by representing connected emotions through our pieces, and looked for ways to combine linked symbols and traits in a performative fashion. The catch: each segment represents a sign, and the number it is on the chain determines the amount of time and performers we have for the scene. Scene one starts with a one-minute solo, scene two a two-minute duet, all the way to the final, twelve-minute ensemble scene with twelve performers.

Pisces

A siren's song opens the performance.

Aquarius

An ode to the siren.

Capricorn

A fast-paced game from childhood.

Saggitarius

The archers come to play.

Scorpio

The scorpion's venemous sting.

Libra

On the runway.

Virgo

Do it again.

Leo

Reaching together.

Cancer

Touch and gone.

Gemini

Twin artists' auction.

Tauraus

The sound of the signs.

Aries

Do it again.

Performance photos by Carlo Marchet | Space photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash | Astrology signs from CleanPNG

Credits

Performers (in order of appearance): Tamara Trbaric, Katie Gherasim, Jae Gonzales, TJ Tan, Sarah Carter, Sara van Gaalen, Stephen Hass, Angela Peng, Mavrik Sun, Chaucer Gilson, Max McLarnon, Hermella Araya, Inkar Julmagambetova, and Oliver Fusio.

Outside Eyes: Oliver Fusio and Shania Smagh.

Lighting Designers: Colleen Bayati, Albina Dyusenova, Hailey Gil, Lucas Guo, Kirsi Jiao, Tina Kardan, Vicky Kwok, Catelyn Lin, Danielle Robertson, Siqi (Suki) Xu, Jiayi (Jasmine) Yan, Michael Zhong, and Coco Zhou

Sound Consultant: Chaucer Gilson

Stage Manager: Bernice Paet

Operators: Catelyn Lin and Coco Zhou

Instructors: Emmalina Fredriksson and Kyla Gardiner

Thanks to Uroš Šanjević, Emily Neumann, Ben Rogalsky, Brady Cranfield, GCAPES, Miles Lavkulich, Justine Crawford

Image: TJ Tan, Jae Gonzales, Oliver Fusio, and Sarah van Gaalen | Lighting Design: Colleen Bayati, and Coco Zhou. | Photography by Carla Alcantara.

Ouroboros

NOVEMBER 17 & 18, 2023 | 7:30 PM | FREE

STUDIO T – SFU GOLDCORP CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, 149 W. HASTINGS ST., VANCOUVER

Inspired by the legendary serpent that eats its own tail, the cycle of the seasons, life and death: Co-Lab 2 is a devised work in twelve parts. Starting in the twelfth astrological house, the zodiac sign of the zodiac sign of Pisces, and moving backwards toward the vernal equinox, the performance explores cyclical form as a lens on the world and our experiences within it.