The Gift
about
In this rolling-entry experience, participants gather in a music-filled reading room, where they encounter an all-ages illustrated book—based on the astrophysics research of Dr. Natalie Gosnell—that invites responses both tactile and emotional. This book tells the story of two stars that are so close to one another yet so far from us that they appear as a single point of light in the sky. Their fates are intertwined; one star, at the end of its life, transfers its material to the companion, allowing the companion to burn brighter and to appear—for a moment—younger, brighter, bluer. This tender story and playful experience heeds the call of anthropologist Emily Martin, to “wake the sleeping metaphors of science.”
Visit thegift.space to learn more.
credits
The Gift is created by Janani Balasubramanian, Dr. Natalie Gosnell, and Dr. Andrew Kircher
With Tina-Hanaé Miller, Amy Myers
And: Katie Hodge, Solomon Hoffman
The Book:
Story by Janani Balasubramanian and Dr. Natalie Gosnell
with artwork by Amy Myers
and book design by Katie Hodge
Based on the research of Dr. Natalie Gosnell
The Music:
Original score by Tina-Hanaé Miller
with arrangement by Solomon Hoffman
featuring performances by Molly Aronson, Ellie Kirk, Aaron Kisslinger, Kevin Kuh, Bill Todd, and Cameron West
Mixed by Peter Geiser
Mastered by Greg Calbi & Steve Fallone
Produced by Dr. Andrew Kircher
trailer
dates
Djerassi Art Center in Woodside, CA (July 2023)
Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs (March – June 2023)
New York Public Library (December 2022)
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (December 2021)