To Begin The World Over Again - Delirious Dance

To Begin The World Over Again explores the writings of Thomas Paine and his spirited advocacy for freedom and democracy. Fusing the visions of composer Joseph C. Phillips Jr. and choreographer Edisa Weeks and their respective companies the music ensemble Numinous and DELIRIOUS Dances, To Begin The World Over Again eloquently explores: How are freedom and democracy packaged and promoted in America? What does it mean to be free in American? As America becomes more consumer driven, polarized and disenchanted, is America living up to its promise?

Performed with the audience sitting in the round, To Begin The World Over Again is an evening length multi-disciplinary work that features six dancers and thirteen musicians and singers.  The work unfolds through four sections inspired by Paine’s words: Dreams Of Wonders Undreamt, These Are The Times That Try Men’s Soul, Mischief Is Easier Begun Than Ended, and We Have It In Our Power.

These Are The Times That Try Men’s Soul, explores the way we carry on in the face of opposition, for trying times do not disappear overnight, whether it is George Washington’s soldiers becoming discouraged in the fight against the better equipped and trained British Army, or people in America today grappling with issues from unemployment, to the right to protest, healthcare and more. In this section, the dancers relentlessly repeat a task, inspired by Paine’s exhortations to  “summer soldiers” in The Crisis to remain steadfast because freedom requires sacrifice and dedication. The music is driving yet somber and builds to stark outbursts, like terse cries of anguish or piercing calls for action. The singers give voice to Paine’s words, which are woven with recordings from news clips of current social and political issues in America. The music and dancing resolve into a lush lilting phrase, like rain on parched earth, or the promise of a new reality. In the last section, We Have It In Our Power, the dancing and music weave distinct themes, which initially clash and ultimately intertwine, reflecting how democracy, ideally, is the coming together of various voices.