Journeys and Crossroads, a dance performance at CWRU
Mather Dance Centerr at CWRU
March 29, 2007 - April 01, 2007
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CASE’S MATHER DANCE CENTER PRODUCTION, JOURNEYS AND CROSSROADS, FEATURES CHOREOGRAPHY OF MASTER OF FINE ARTS CANDIDATES KELLI SANFORD AND DEWITT COOPER III
Case Western Reserve University Master of Fine Arts candidates Kelli Sanford and DeWitt Cooper III will present a joint thesis concert, Journeys and Crossroads, at Case’s Mather Dance Center. The evening’s works feature solo, duet and group works by Sanford and Cooper, with a highlighted performance of Martha Graham’s Heretic. Journeys and Crossroads runs Thursday, March 29, through Saturday, March 31, at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. on April 1.
The program includes a solo by Sanford, Blank Canvas, which draws from the life and works of artist Jackson Pollock. With a towering large blank canvas on stage, this solo tour de force is set to the sporadic and energetic rhythms of Luciano Berio. This kinetically driven piece is a journey through the creative work of this important 20th Century American artist.
Cooper joins Sanford as the antagonist in her psychologically compelling duet, Echo’s Reflections. This work is a dark and twisted tale of desire, betrayal and self-realization. Based upon the myth of Echo and Narcissus, this piece unravels the relationship between these two cursed figures. Onstage mirrors reflect Narcissus’ vanity and Echo’s inner turmoil as she learns that the one she longs for is the one standing in the way of her ultimate freedom. The piece is set to music of Kaija Saariaho, with an original score by Cleveland Institute of Music student Elizabeth Joan Kelly.
Martha Graham’s repertory again graces the stage of Mather Dance Center in a remounting of her early work Heretic. Choreographed in 1929, Heretic explores the omniscient theme of an outsider against a group. Diane Gray and Gary Galbraith, former principal dancers with the Martha Graham Dance Company, restaged the work while Mark George, Cleveland Institute of Music professor and director of distance learning, performs the Breton folk tune. Though the piece was created almost 70 years ago, Sanford embodies the emotions and struggles of the soloist and, with the chorus, carries the overarching theme to present day.
Also on the program are three works choreographed by Cooper, which explore the power of men, the virtuous qualities of women and the journey of one. Mystical Corridor is a dynamic, emotive piece that portrays the pathways of words of prayer as envisioned by Cooper and realized through movement. Set to a percussion score by Christopher Rouse, this male ensemble work exhibits athleticism, kinetic range and powerful physicality of movement.
Cooper’s Virtuous Women for six women, delves into the many layers and qualities unique to a virtuous woman. Portraying the characteristics of sensuality, self-control and strength, Cooper explores how women embody such virtues. Ulysses Owns, a graduate of the Jazz Percussion Program at Julliard, provides the original composition.
For his solo Pursuit of Identity, Cooper reveals how one man struggles through the trials of life. Collaborating with Cleveland Institute of Art student Kristin Thompson, they transform the space into an illusion of hardship. The music of John Cage and original poetry by Joel Marc support the inspiring journey of a man overcoming obstacles in order to find his true self.
All performances take place at Mather Dance Center, 11201 Bellflower Road, on the Case campus. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for seniors and Case personnel and $10 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Eldred Theater Box Office on the Case quad behind Millis Science Center or reserved by calling (216)368-6262. Tickets are also available at Mather Dance Center prior to each performance. For more information, visit the dance website at http://dance.case.edu.
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Case Western Reserve University is among the nation’s leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
| Journeys and Crossroads, a dance performance at CWRU posted on Wednesday February 14, 2007 |
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© 2008 Plugged In Cleveland - Journeys and Crossroads, a dance performance at CWRU - Mather Dance Centerr at CWRU
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