The Language of Trees
clyde forth's site specific performance,
The Language of Trees, intertwines folklore
and memoir in an atmosphere of broad-daylight
mystery.In a chilling web of connections
between insecthabitats, sylvan mythology,
woodworking dictums and abrief childhood
encounter in a camping tent, forth slinks her
way through an exploration of privacy, power
and confession. The performance takes place
in the branches of a dying maple which viewers
come upon as they cross a public square. From
surrounding trees, sound created in collab-
oration with composer Bob Lukomski emanates
inviting passersby to participate in the piece
simply by overhearing the “conversation”.
Movement vocabulary designed for this
precarious site conjures an atmosphere of
equal parts comfort and restraint leaving
viewers on the threshold between the two.
