Calling Hours: A Theatrical Memorial for AEP Conesville
Coshocton, Ohio, May 2023
I partnered with Pomerene Center for the Arts in Coshocton, Ohio, and their artistic director Anne Cornell, to develop a public performance that provided residents an opportunity to reflect upon the recent closing and demolition of the coal plant in their community.
The performance unfolded as a series of “eulogies” from various points of view, including plant workers, management, a minister, a teacher, and children. Large scale projection and live original music produced an immersive environment evocative of the monumentality of coal work. CALLING HOURS was resolutely local, with actors, musicians, and playwright all hailing from Coshocton. Three hundred people attended the performance, many describing it as cathartic, and the performance received national coverage on National Public Radio.
For more, please visit the website we designed to support the project: www.callinghours.org
Produced by Pomerene Center for the Arts
Directed by Tom Dugdale
Text by Anne Cornell
Animations by Michael Schmidt
Projections by Oblsk
Music by Johnny Dotson
Web design by FORT
