Cairn
WORK DESCRIPTION
Cairns are human-made stacks of stones that are often used for navigation, memorials, or ceremonial purposes. Symbolically, cairns are universally recognized for providing guidance, helping travelers navigate through landscapes where paths are unclear. Linebach and Thurman create and dismantle their own visceral cairn-like sculptures to embody their journey at this time in life as young, emerging artists, exploring the interplay of precariousness and stability, fragility and durability. How might we follow markers to know where we are going, and how might we leave them for others?
Cairn initially premiered as part of Cleveland Dance Project’s CONVERGENCE showcase. Since June 2025, Linebach and Thurman have performed Cairn in July 2025 as part of Inlet Dance Theatre’s 24th year at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, OH; in November 2025 as part of CityDance Showcase VII in Columbus, OH; and in February 2026 as part of the 2026 SoloDuo Dance Festival in New York City, New York.
CHOREOGRAPHER
Joel K. Linebach & Bird Thurman
COSTUME DESIGN
Bird Thurman
DANCERS
Joel K. Linebach & Bird Thurman
MUSIC
Four Tet
PREMIERE DATE
June 14th, 2025
PREMIERE LOCATION
Neat West Theatre, Cleveland, OH
