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Department of Theatre and Dance

Story of Inanna Brought to Life at UW

March 21, 2001 -- The ancient Sumerian tale of "Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth," comes to life in a new ballet to be performed at 7:30 nightly March 27-April 1 at the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Center main stage. Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for senior citizens and $9.50 for non students. For tickets and information, call 766 6666.

Marsha Knight, UW associate professor of theatre and dance, is the choreographer for the performance, which is based on Diane Wolkstein's award-winning classic book about the Sumerian goddess of love and fertility. Wolkstein will narrate, and will lead post-performance discussions following the March 29 and March 31 programs.

"Inanna's stories are more than 4,000 years old, and yet her journey -- her life cycle -- rings true and immediate today," says Knight. "My desire is for students to understand, relate too, and internalize Inanna's journey and the Sumerian culture from which the story arises.

"I greatly appreciate looking to the literary source, dating back so many years, as the departure point for this ballet. Incorporating the actual text with the movement keeps the literary intent present in every rehearsal and in every choreographic choice."

UW student Kirsty MacKellar, the lead dancer, says, "It's an amazing story. I can feel so much passion behind the words used in the ballet, that I can't help but get wrapped up in the dances."

Wolkstein has performed at the Lincoln Center and at art museums, theatres and universities throughout the United States and Canada. She has contributed to the modern storytelling movement, instilling a new interest in mythology.

"Inanna is a remarkable conceptual piece, created from Marsha Knight's mind, from the words of Diane Wolkstein, and visualized by the students and faculty of UW," says Scott Jones, UW student and ballet stage manager. "This is a production not to miss. Inanna provides another perspective on life, death, relationships and responsibilities."

The program is presented by UW's Department of Theatre and Dance and the Wyoming Council for the Humanities.

Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001

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