Umbilicus

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Photography: Meaghan Wills

All students of Lighting Design at the University of Montana become very well acquainted with the dance department. Designing a piece for one of the many dance recitals is often the first rite of passage for young squints. As a result, many lighting students through the years have threatened to choreograph their own pieces. My friend Meaghan (MFA Lighting student) and I were the first to actually follow through. We kept it simple: A pair of would be lovers, each with a glowing, and mythologically significant, constellation over their hearts are tethered to opposite sides of the stage by the cables that power their lights. After a period of cross-stage interaction they desperately try to touch one another, to no use. Finally, unsure of the result but unwilling to live a life restrained, the female gathers the courage to unplug herself. Surprisingly, her constellation remains illuminated. Following a period of rejoice, she coaxes her lover to do the same, and they meet in the middle of the stage as the lights fade. The entire bit of silliness was scored with the theme from “A Love Story” sung by Andy Williams. The immediate laughter prompted by the familiar opening string glissando, set the proper lighthearted tone for the remainder of the piece.