Angel Reapers is advertised as a dance performance but for me it was much more. It is a
social commentary on the life and times of a cult in the early 19th century. It is a story about a confused group of lost individuals who are trying to find their way in the world. It is a concert, as the dancers sing traditional Shaker music a cappella. It was quite intriguing, as I am interested in all of these facets: history, story-telling, and music. The dancing added to the entirety of the performance as the Shaker congregation would dance – dancing was their form of worship.
I learned a lot from this risqué performance. The Shakers wore plain clothes, similar to the Puritans of the Mayflower. They were a celibate community of men and women. They seemed to be driven crazy by their lack of sexual interaction. Frustration was released through group dancing, and chanting. Women and men would dance separately, as the differing sexes were not permitted to touch. Often times, congregants were found convulsing or speaking in tongues unrecognizable to any sane human.
The Shakers were a group of people who welcomed anyone into their cult. Mother Ann Lee, one of the leaders of the movement, would welcome in men and women of all backgrounds and nationalities. The performance included a “runaway slave,” a “French woman,” and “orphans.” These characters all represent people who had nowhere else to turn but this seemingly tolerant group.
Sexual frustration oftentimes led to “illegal” practices – illegal according to the laws of the Shaker community. Men and women would dance naked through the woods. Members of the congregation would often leave the community after being shunned for breaching their celibate oath. Perhaps that’s why there are only 3 Shakers left in the world today.
Angel Reapers
Joyce Theatre
December 4, 2011
Marina B. Nebro
