Movement I
Tremors
Animals of the forest feel the earth tremble…
- The squirrel asks: Do you feel that?
- The blue jay in the tree answers: Yes, what is that?
- The fox asks: What is happening?
- The wolf answers: The ground is moving!
- The bobcat replies: Everybody, run for cover!
Eventually, the trembling subsides, and all is calm once again.
Opening Fanfare
Unaware of the conversation among the animals in the distant forest, humans majestically march to their gathering place for the spring equinox celebration to give thanks for surviving the winter, and to ask for a bountiful summer harvest.
Earthquake
Their celebration is interrupted. The earth’s vibrations rise in pitch, announcing the impending climax, then CRASH, the ground opens up and devastates everything in the wake of its seemingly pure evil massive quake. Buildings crumble and trees fall, as the earth itself collapses. Adding punctuation, the vibrations rise in pitch once more for a final crash, as if to make sure nothing was overlooked.
Salvation
Survivors slowly emerge from the rubble. They find each other, dry their tears, and tell their stories. Where were you when it happened? How did you survive? What about your family?
Migration
The small band of survivors decides to look for a new place to live. They gather supplies, say goodbye to where they once called home, and set out in search of a new homeland.
Movement II
Strange New Land
Their journey leads them through a land of strange vistas, plants, and creatures. What are those mountains in the distance that look like table-tops? What is this strange soil that is orange and red in color? Why are there no trees for shade?
Frolic
Our travelers find a watering hole. The children have energy to splash each other and play tag. The adults take a moment to ponder the future, remember better days-past, and relax as they watch the children play.
Strange New Land
The tribe resumes their journey, still in awe and wonder of these strange new surroundings.
Haunting
Night falls and bizarre creatures emerge. Some glow in the dark, while others seem to rattle in the distance. The moon casts eerie shadows that dance on the cliffs nearby.
Strange New Land
Worn down by the oppressive heat, our sojourners decide to camp in the daytime and travel at night.
Kaleidoscope
Sunrise paints the sky with brilliant orange and pink hues, while strange shapes and shadows march across the landscape, ushering in the daylight. The sun arches over the horizon, and suddenly, like some magic trick, the colors, shapes, and shadows disappear into thin air – poof, they are gone!
Movement III
Trepidation
Tired, weary, and apprehensive from their long journey, the surroundings start to play tricks on the tribe, and their imaginations run wild. Is that a watering hole up ahead, or another mirage? Is that a forest in the distance, or just more mountains? Is the temperature cooling off, or are they getting used to the heat?
Salvation Reprise
After months of wandering, the travelers find themselves amidst a forest. Then the trees open up to a clearing, displaying lakes and rivers, plenty of wild game, and land to plant their crops. Eureka, they have found their new home at last!
Closing Fanfare
It has been two years since the great earthquake, and once again, our tribe marches with full majesty to a new gathering place to celebrate the spring equinox and give thanks for surviving the winter, and to ask for a bountiful summer harvest.