Nov. 11, 2008 -- The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance 2008-2009 season continues with the ballet "A Midsummer Night's Dream," followed by a modern dance piece, "Ride the Culture Loop," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 22, on the Fine Arts Center main stage.
Tickets cost $14 for the public, $11 for senior citizens and $7 for students. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.
Adapted from William Shakespeare's famous comedy, the ballet is choreographed by UW dance faculty member Jennifer Deckert. Famed choreographer Anna Sokolow's "Ride the Culture Loop" dance piece has been reconstructed for UW students by Lorry May, artistic director of the Sokolow Dance Foundation. It is directed by UW Associate Professor Margaret Wilson.
Deckert's dance adaptation of Shakespeare's beloved comedy is an enchanting tale of fairies, mischief, misadventure and the confusing path to true love. Featuring Felix Mendelssohn's remarkable score, the ballet follows the misfortune of two pairs of young lovers caught between fantasy and reality to create a whimsical, and magical story.
"As a dancer, I've performed in several productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and I've always wanted to take up the challenge of creating my own version," says Deckert.
She notes that new dance faculty member, Lawrence Jackson, formerly principal dancer with the internationally known modern dance company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, will perform the role of Oberon for this production.
"It has been a pleasure working with such a talented performer," says Deckert. "Lawrence's energy and passion for dance not only benefit the production, but our students as well."
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" will tour Nov. 23-25 to venues in Casper, Gillette and Rapid City, S.D. The tour is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
"Ride the Culture Loop," a groundbreaking modern dance work by the late choreographer Anna Sokolow, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century.
"Ride the Culture Loop" explores alienation and social schisms among New York City's inhabitants. The reconstruction of the dance piece is sponsored in part by an American Masterpieces Great Works grant administered by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with New England Foundation for the Arts and Dance/USA.
For more information, call Kathy Kirkaldie at (307) 766-2160.
Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2008
