Deli Videos

Customers order Performance Deli menu items—some of which are site-specific or deli-specific—and the ensemble creates performances on the spot just for them. Featured below are Peter Chwazik, Amber Espar, Sean Lukasik, and Rhonda Morton in a sampling of pieces from the week we performed in Corning, NY.

Trash Loop

Dan Morton introduces an on-line order for "Loop Soup" from Shawn in New Jersey who chooses "trash" as the theme. Peter sets up a loop to play over and Amber, Sean, and Rhonda create a movement, vocal, and spoken word piece.

Free at Last

A patron orders "Solos Over a Groove" and chooses "free at last" as the theme. Peter sets up a groove on his nine-string bass, Sean and Rhonda vocalize the groove, then all three take turns soloing.

Sometimes You Dream

Someone orders "Duotones" and gives us the theme word of "deli" for creating this duet together in the moment. Featuring Peter on nine-string bass and Rhonda singing.

Mask Platter

A patron orders "Mask Platter," chooses a mask, and tells Laurie McDowell, our assistant, that her greatest passion is singing. Amber dons the mask and creates a piece inspired by the customer's passion.

Verbosity

"Verbosity," one of the pieces we sometimes offer as a daily special, is such a crowd-pleaser that repeat customers order it even when it isn't on the menu. In this piece, a customer provides "friend" as the theme for Amber, Sean, and Rhonda.

Opera for Dummies

A patron orders "Opera for Dummies," and gives us the theme of "Lizzy." Standing on a display counter in the front window, Rhonda sings "Italian opera" and Sean provides the translation.

Bellicosity

A patron orders "Dream Weaver" and provides the theme word of "bellicosity." Amber, as the dreamer, never leaves the stage while Sean and Rhonda come and go in a supportive role, and Peter Chwazik creates a percussive soundscape.

Play Ball!

We have a "Lil' Gators" menu, and "Play Ball!" is a favorite. The child chooses how many minutes, from one to three, that Rhonda plays with the big purple ball.

Alternative Medicine

A patron chooses "Alternative Medicine," and tells us she wants us to dance for her injured heel. Amber, Sean, and Rhonda create overlapping two-minute solo dances while Peter plays his nine-string bass.

Open-Faced Rhonda

We offer specials that change daily. "Open-Faced Rhonda" is one of them. In this piece, Rhonda does an open improvisational performance with no rules or structure, based on the theme of "hat," provided by a patron.

Lime

A patron orders "Shared Monologue" and provides the theme word "lime." Amber and Rhonda share in the creation of a story in the moment.

Scooter

A patron orders "Contact Con Talk" and provides the theme of "scooter." This is an excerpt from the Contact Improv-based piece Amber, Sean and Rhonda create in response.

Milky Way Toga

Two patrons order the same item—"Dance Talk x 3"—and provide two theme words, "Milky Way" and "toga." Amber incorporates both theme words in an improvised piece where she dances, then talks, three times.