Water :: Body of Water

Very hot. Very dry. A woman's figure stands on stage, still as a statue.

A second woman enters in a white dress. She carries a tray with a large pitcher, a bowl and an eyedropper. Setting it carefully on the floor, she kneels in front of it, picks up the pitcher and pours-only three drops of water plink into the bowl. She licks her lips, but does not drink the last remaining bits of water. Instead, she uses the eyedropper to gather the water and drop it in her eyes. She cries into the bowl and when she tries to drink her own tears, only the salt pours into her lap.

A third woman enters with a clay urn and walks over to fill the empty bowl. As she turns the urn, out pours, not water, but water balloons that bounce and jiggle and skitter and roll. The women chase the water until it is released and in turn, releases them.

At the end, they pour water over the first woman, the inanimate statue, and she melts before their eyes bequeathing an elegant cloak, which the women share and stride offstage.

Performances
Blue Rider Theater / Chicago / 1997

Credits
Created & Performed by Meghan Strell and Charlie Levin