Fall 2013: UAA Dance Ensemble presents 'Sleying the Reed: A Movement Mediation on Women and Violence'

Show dates: Nov. 15-24 Show times: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m. Location: Fine Arts Building, Harper Studio

The UAA Department of Theatre and Dance proudly presents the acclaimed Dance Ensemble in "Sleying the Reed," a new work exploring the brutal conditions of women's lives around the world. Directed by UAA Theatre and Dance faculty member, Katherine Kramer, "Sleying the Reed" is an evening-length collaborative performance project. The project brings together the creative voices of Kramer, visiting guest artist Joanne Barrett and several Anchorage choreographers.

Moved by the Nicholas Kristoff/Sheryl WuDunn book and documentary, "Half the Sky," Kramer has, in response, woven a tapestry of choreographic voices. "I was so struck by the women in the stories Kristoff and WuDunn brought to light that, as an artist and choreographer, I was moved to create, and to invite others to develop reflections on the brutality inflicted on women and girls around the globe," said Kramer.

Miami-based guest artist Joanne Barrett brings an extensive career as a performer, choreographer and collaborator to creating work for the Dance Ensemble and helping weave together the entire production. Stephanie Wonchala, artistic director of Pulse Dance Company and owner of Studio Pulse offers up a quartet continuing her work with dancers responding to societal themes. Irenerose Antonio and Becky Kendall of Momentum Dance Collective inquire into voicelessness and darkness in their duet and trio. Bonnie Moring and Teresa Liu have jointly created pieces focused on physical control, pain and freedom. Priscilla Naungagiaq Hensley Holthouse plays a unique solo role throughout the piece and suggests, "I am, by nature and by training, an observer; sometimes part of watching is figuring out when, how and if to intervene."

Tickets are available at UAATix.com.

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