Fallon Voorheis-Mathews is set to debut her aerial dance production, “Embers, Petals, and Stars,” on August 22-23 at the Elaine Wolf Theater in Denver. This performance serves as both a tribute and a processing tool for the emotional aftermath of the Marshall Fire, which devastated over 1,000 homes in Boulder County in December 2021, including Voorheis-Mathews’ own home.
Voorheis-Mathews, the founder of the aerial dance company In the Wings, crafted the performance to tell the story of the fire and its repercussions, utilizing circus arts, video projections, and her original choreography.
“The first act, ‘Fire. Ashes. Rebirth,’ is not just my story; it reflects the chaos and emotional turmoil experienced during and after the fire,” she explained.
To open the production, Voorheis-Mathews incorporates sound bites from news reports and personal recordings capturing the harrowing day of the fire on December 30, 2021.
She described the initial piece as an urgent portrayal of the uproar that families endured, likening it to the way a sudden disaster affects lives irreversibly.
Following the initial chaos, the act transitions into a duet that highlights the solitude shared with a close companion amid the void left by the silence of friends and family.
As the performance unfolds, it illustrates the importance of community support, the challenges faced with insurance companies and construction processes, and culminates in an emotional homecoming.
“It’s essential to acknowledge that this homecoming is not purely joyous; it’s a complex mix of emotions since the journey to recovery continues,” said Voorheis-Mathews.
The production’s second act, “Under This Tree,” is choreographed by Naomi Graff and provides a gentler contemplation of nature’s resilience.
The third act, “This is the Way,” features choreography by Ashley Eaves Sonnier, who brings her own experiences with natural disasters to the performance.
Eaves Sonnier notes a whimsical quality in her choreography, inspired partly by the themes from Star Wars, but she insists that her segment also encapsulates a more profound message of hope.
“Within everything we’ve endured because of the Marshall Fire, there is a thread of community that shines through, and I hope this performance resonates with that sentiment,” she said.
Opening night will feature a poignant moment of silence, where audience members will hold candles to honor the memories of those lost in the fire, including two victims, numerous pets, and the first responders who bravely confronted the blaze.
Voorheis-Mathews reflects on the symbolic significance of this gesture: “My hope is that when everyone blows out their candles, the scent of smoke will linger in the theater, reminding us of what we’ve gone through.
A key element of her performance includes a special silk, generously donated by a fellow aerialist whom she has never met.
This vibrant fabric, dyed in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, is referred to as her “fire silk,” which will play a crucial role during the act that addresses the fire itself.
Tickets for “Embers, Petals, and Stars” can be purchased at the following link: https://tickets.jccdenver.org/itwaerial.
Additionally, the September issue of the Denver VOICE will feature an article highlighting the personal experiences of Fallon Voorheis-Mathews and her husband, Fleetwood Mathews, during and after the Marshall Fire, along with insights into the creation of this significant production.
image source from：denvervoice
