Bob Fosse famously observed that when our emotions are too strong to express through speech, we sing, and when singing can’t contain our feelings, we dance.
Trembler’s Waltz is a new dance-driven theatre work written by Trevor Copp and Aaron Jensen that examines one of the most enthralling anthropological mysteries of the past five hundred years. In 1518, Frau Troffea, a local peasant woman, inexplicably and spontaneously broke out in dance in the town square of Strasbourg, Alsace (modern day Germany). Over the course of three weeks, members of her community were struck by the same compulsion, and one by one, joined in the frenzy, until over 400 villagers were dancing day and night. Trembler’s Waltz tells the story of Laurel, a modern-day student who is struggling to keep on top of her classwork while holding down a job, staring down an uncertain future, and balancing family pressures. The historical accounts of 14th C. Strasbourg, and the carnival ride that is Laurel’s present day life converge.
Trembler’s Waltz will be produced and workshopped in Fall 2026. Announcement to come.
