Paufve Dance performers interpret Mary Todd Lincoln's troubled life.

PHOTO BY PAK HAN

At the same time, Heather Heise's lovely songs recall wistful folk traditions and suggest the possibility of a communal purpose. Beginning with a single voice, the music opens into rich harmonies. One of tunes starts with "Oh Mary, don't you weep, don't you mourn." And as the piece comes to a quiet ending, the women sing "Oh where are our dear mothers?/They are gone to heaven a'shouting/Day is a'breaking/In my soul."