The Moon by Rhona Baron, 2022-24
CREATING the MOON’S SCENES
Almost two years were spent contemplating how the complex, multi-cultural story of Unsettled could be told until The Moon emerged as the show’s narrator. Floating outside of human time, the moon remains a feminine icon for many, while, for Indigenous women, the moon is a cycling “ancient.”
Because the tradition of moon naming is rich in imagery and lore, it proved fertile ground for creativity. For instance, May’s moons may be called Milk, Frog, Budding Leaf or Egg Laying Moon depending on the source. In Unsettled, The Moon’s poetic script is punctuated with many seasonal moon names that set the tone for upcoming scenes while honoring centuries of North American history. Three women have played The Moon, Rhona being the last in 2024. Her costume of “cratered” chiffon, was created by Lucy Quade.
The Moon’s script was composed by Rhona Baron with her co-writer Ari Gabinet. Rhona has co-written scripts and songs with Ari since 2016. His perspective, inspired way with words and collaborative instincts are an ongoing gift to Dangerous Women.
Rhona Baron, Dangerous Women’s Creative Director and lead Producer is the 2022 recipient of the Stanley Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts. The award recognizes a professional who leaves “a profoundly positive and lasting impression on the arts” in North Central Washington.
Rhona’s artist portfolio is multidisciplinary and includes strong communication skills. Before becoming Creative Director/Producer of Dangerous Women in 2017, she worked as a jazz and news radio programmer and host, newspaper columnist and non-profit Executive Director of a regional marketing association. Her art potfolio includes working as a singer, choir director, musical composer, voice instructor, Latin dancer/choreographer, and interpretive illustrator with trail and campground signs at Nason Creek, Buck Meadows and at the crest of Blewitt Pass.
Throughout her career, Rhona has specialized in merging the arts with education. Her award winning “edutainment” productions, including “Dancing with Birds” and “Salmon Sing Along” challenge audiences to expand cultural perspectives while exploring their place within the natural world. Her productions have been performed, displayed and broadcast locally, regionally and internationally.
Rhona is professionally certified in marketing management from University of Washington. She holds a BA in Fine Art, Painting and Drawing, from Central Washington University. As a Ferrel Merit Scholar at CWU she created “Picking Up the Pieces: An Artist’s Journey Through Illness” a non-traditional illustrated book about healing.