down here (2015/2025)

Premiere: 2015 at BAM/Brooklyn Academy of Music.

10th Anniversary Revival: Appomattox Regional Governor’s School Pittman Studio, February 21, 2025.

Shannon Hummel’s down here is a beautifully brutal exploration of relationships, control, and resilience. Originally performed in 2015 by Calia Marshall and Katie Dean at BAM’s Fisher Theatre, the work was hailed as “a rare gem” by The New York Times. This acclaimed duet examines the intense attachments we form—to what we need, what we refuse, and the compromises made to stay true to ourselves while striving to connect with others. For more details on down here and it’s 10th Anniversary Revival click here.

2015 Original Work: Choreography by Shannon Hummel in collaboration with dancers Calia Marshall and Katie Dean

2025 Revival: Choreography by Shannon Hummel in collaboration with the original cast and 2025 dancers Ross Honaker and Ammara Shafqat

Music by Hans Bilger, Bruce Kaphan, and MANOISECA

“…a rare gem.”

––––––––––––––Brian Seibert, The New York Times

“Hummel’s strongest asset is her ability to create a new world onstage. Communicating feelings through a set gestural language…was eerie to see. The evocative nature of the stage picture and the graciousness of the dancers was palpable through every second. A truly magical night of dance.” 

–––––––––––––Annie Woller, EYE ON THE ARTS, NYC

“Calia Marshall and Katie Dean articulate the ins and outs of long term love in down here. Down here focuses on the ebbs and flows of long-term relationships and is unnervingly articulated by (the) dancers…”

––––––––––––––Brooklyn Based

“Calia Marshall and Katie Dean dance out the drama of their relationship, with a brilliant twist, or twists, in down here…it’s powerful.”

––––––––––––––Quinn Batson, Off Off Off