New York choreographers showcase work in faculty concert

Works by New York choreographers Sara Pearson and Patrik Widrig headline the Fall Faculty Concert presented by the UW–Madison Dance Program at 8 p.m. on Nov. 20-22, 2003 in the Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space at Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave.

Two short solos performed by Widrig along with a video and a large group work choreographed by the New York duo will be featured during the three-night run. Other highlights include works by Dance Program faculty and artists Li Chiao-Ping, Claudia Melrose, Douglas Rosenberg, Marlene Skog and Jin-Wen Yu.

“Sara and Patrik have been here with us teaching classes throughout the fall semester,” says Joseph Koykkar, UW professor and concert coordinator. “While in residence, they choreographed a new work for students in a dance repertory class which will be premiered in this concert.”

The large group work, titled “Tobu,” consists of three sections and is performed by 12 student dancers. “The first section is high-energy dancing but descends in section two into a slow, almost meditative state,” says Widrig. “The music is both strange and beautiful – this section is one of our favorite things we’ve ever made. In the finale, the dancers take off again and fly to gripping music by Life Garden.”

Renowned master teachers of sentient technique, inspired improvisation and inventive choreography, Pearson and Widrig have been collaborating since 1987. In an effort to create a distinct character for each piece, they often combine site, community, choreography, and props in their multidisciplinary work.

“Props and sets often inform our choreography,” Widrig says, “and we’re always looking for something in the movement itself or for props that give the work a distinct flavor.” Widrig performs two short solos from larger dance/theater pieces choreographed by the duo that showcase their wide-ranging yet distinctive styles.

Two video pieces, one by Widrig and the other by Douglas Rosenberg, along with the following four group works round out the program:

* “Nocturnus,” choreographed by Li Chiao-Ping with original music by Seattle-based vocalist and accordionist Amy Denio;

* “River #4: Cascading,” choreographed by Jin-Wen Yu with music by Philip Glass, depicts images of running water cascading in space while simulating water metaphors and energy;

* “Dolorosa,” choreographed by Claudia Melrose, includes sculptural figures by Madison artist Lynn Hellmuth;

* “Red Tide,” choreographed by Marlene Skog with music by composer Ned Rorem. A contemporary ballet with abstract dramatic content, “Red Tide” evokes a dialogue of contrast and suspenseful counterpoint while illustrating the threat to survival and the challenge to be.

Tickets are $12 for the general public and $8 for students and senior citizens except on Thursday, Nov. 20, when student tickets are $5. Tickets will be sold at the door beginning at 7p.m. All seats are reserved. For more information, call the Dance Program at (608) 262-1691.