origins // now

the after-image is a NYC-based movement-theater company that collectively creates original productions, guided by the voices of each contributing artist. Fusing the instruments of theater, movement, audience interaction, and design, the after-image welcomes what might be possible in solidarity. Cultivating relationships of trust, reciprocity, and joy, the after-image grasps hold of the question “what is the art we need now?” and follows wherever that leads.

Founded in 2019 by Kate St. John and Amy Shoshana Blumberg and now under the Artistic Direction of Kate, Amy, and Zahydé Pietri, the after-image continually evolves its model for creating devised movement-theater. Drawing on Kate’s background in design, Amy’s in directing/choreography, and Zahydé’s in performance, the after-image builds out each team with performers, designers, and dramaturgs whose skills, interests, and world views shape the content and form of each production. And no matter the starting point, the after-image keeps the role of the audience as a central focus in each creative process. the after-image’s original evening-length works include he called it cymbeline (Temple University), RE: SHE a litany of adventures (Philadelphia Fringe Festival, 2019), HOUSE OF AMERICAN ACTIVITIES (Theater for The New City, 2022), and Let’s Exorcise! A Community Catharty Party (Caveat NYC, 2023). 

the after-image was a Spring 2024 Artist-in-Residence at the Barnard Movement Lab, where they presented 2 performances of Let’s Exorcise! Following those shows, the after-image collaborated with 3 courses of Barnard students to devise Flow Up! The Catharty Quest Continues, an interactive multimedia installation inspired by the themes and delights of Let’s Exorcise!