Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Senior Apprentice Melanie Rodrigues shares about her character.
1. What role/character will you be dancing in Reckless?
In Reckless I play the Corypheus, the leader of the Greek chorus. As the chorus, we all play multiple individual roles to help explain, foreshadow, or highlight different scenes. One of my highlighted characters is named Kara.
She’s first seen taking the train with International Blue. She feels validated and thinks she’s won his affection. But back at his place, his true intentions are revealed, as he pushes her to get the tattoo with his insignia. She turns to run, but it’s too late.
2. How did you research/prepare for your role? What is something that stood out to you in your research?
I’ve listened to and read many different stories relating to sex trafficking, the survivors, and pimps. I’ve also researched the Greek Chorus and how that is used in theater to tell stories.
This was one of the most striking things I had found from a survivor: “For me as an abused child of 12, bringing the trafficker cash money each night after being raped by 10 to 20 men, seeing that I made him, the trafficker, happy, was the same as getting an A on a school report,” Amaya said. “The human brain doesn’t differentiate. All the brain knows is, ‘Wow, I made this person happy. Now I feel happy, too.’ ” (source).
3. Describe the movement/style of the choreography. Is it different/the same as what you've done before? What is the most challenging aspect of the ballet?
Intense. Creative. Physical. Reckless is so different from ballets I’ve done before. I’ve never had to switch characters with such differing backstories so quickly on stage! I would say the most challenging aspect of the ballet would be the mental stamina to portray each character with depth and authenticity while maintaining the unity and voice of the Greek chorus.
4. Why should audiences see Reckless?
The cleverness of the choreography alone should cause audiences to be curious to come and see Reckless! I think it will also deeply move audiences in such a powerful way, as well as shed light on this current issue.