SPIT

(2018) Title, Oxygen, revised in 2020

This work portrays an unhealthy family dynamic and the consequential display of tension, control, and emotional abuse that it causes. Unhealthy environments teach that love and abuse can coexist. This faulty belief unfortunately psychologically shapes our perceptions of love– rationalizing others’ actions of abuse such as manipulation as normal. SPIT, is the product of a decision to explore what some harbor for years. In collaboration with the dancers, our discussions about unhealthy family dynamics growing up brewed an exploration of manipulation and tension being part of love and connection. Referenced in the work are our understandings of the toxic patterns such as sharp energy shifts, unregulated emotions, outbursts, breakdowns, crossed boundaries, suppressed needs, oversharing, and isolation. In this work, toxic dynamics and unhealthy boundaries are depicted by a high conflict personality, a manipulative personality, and a scapegoat seeking gratification.  

Cast of 3

Choreographed by Morgan Joanne Grube

Photos by Kent State University