When the Rain Speaks

When the Rain Speaks was choreographed by Julia Schaeffer for First Draft 2024. It is a duet originally performed by Lacy Slaats and Dillon Zamora.

Inspired by Mary Oliver’s poem, “Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me”, the work explores ideas of escapism, nature, loneliness and belonging, empathy, and finding warmth during chaotic times. The dancers reflect these themes through release-based movement which incorporates fall and recovery, suspension, spirals, and duality. 

Costumes by Ariane Dolan. 

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"[When the Rain Speaks] demonstrates weight sharing, soaring lifts, gorgeous floor work, as [the dancer's] bodies blend together with the smoothness of silk. Both close out Schaeffer's piece walking together, back-to-back, displaying a shared connection, even without eye contact." - Gery Moore, See Chicago Dance