give me hunger
February, 2026
Choreographed by Emily Haussler in collaboration with the dancers, this piece is set to two separate works: “Give Me Hunger” by Jake Runestad (2018) with text from Carl Sandburg’s “At A Window”, (1914) and “Lighting, Thunder, Rain” by Marjorie Halloran (2023) with text from Kim Stafford’s poem (2022).
The texts, spanning over a hundred years, share rich imagery and vibrant language speaking towards capitalism, power dynamics, control, and change. Both feature strong juxtaposition: the trials of poverty with the ease of love; the terror of sudden, violent change with the beauty of humanity’s response.
The choreography draws from the richness of the text, the cadence of these stunning compositions, and our visceral, embodied responses to change. Nature is found embedded in the dance - from circulating storm patterns to chaotic, wind-swept movements, to rooted trees and determined weeds.
credits
Title: Give Me Hunger
Direction: Emily Haussler and John McDonald
Choreography: Emily Haussler in collaboration with RESILIENCE Dance Company
Premiere: February 6th - 7th, 2026 at The Mahler Ballroom in St. Louis, MO as part of Speak Easy - Move Loud.
Dancers: Chrissy Clair Greer, Soraya Cohen, Lexie Hoehn, Josiah Gundersen, Nathan Krueger, Abbi LeBaube, Michelle Parkhurst, Ana Velazquez, Ashlynn Woelbling
Composers: Jake Runestad (Give Me Hunger, 2018) and Marjorie Halloran (Lighting, Thunder, Rain, 2023)
Text: Carl Sandburg (1914) and Kim Stafford (2022)
Vocals: Continuum Vocal Ensemble, Directed by John McDonald
Lighting Design: Alice Anders
Costume Design: Chrissy Clair Greer
Additional Performances: January 16th, 2027 (The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts)