(**This project is currently being developed as part of the Orchard Project Greenhouse.)

After more than a year of pandemic life, how can we get back to normal? Is it possible? Should we even try?

Upon Re-entry uses the tragic events of the Columbia shuttle, which failed its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, as a parable for our current moment. When trying to return home, the crew of a space shuttle must approach their re-entry at an exact angle and speed. To rush the return is fatal.

Meanwhile, ground control slowly realizes the tragedy unfolding but is unable to help through their screens and devices. Their com checks become a prayer sent out into the universe.

An ensemble of artists creates an immersive world of text, music, and movement that blur the lines between the real-life events of the 2003 NASA catastrophe and reflections from a year sheltering in.

What have we lost? What have we learned? Are we ready to re-enter our old orbits?

This site-sensitive installation has two possible iterations. Visitors can enter the piece from the perspective of ground control or the piece can be visited from the perspectives of astronauts. The two worlds of the piece are in two different locations connected by live streaming screens.