University of Texas at Austin Presents PHYSICAL LANGUAGE 3/4-3/6

The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance and Co-Artistic Directors Andrea Beckham and Yacov Sharir present original choreography, guest artist work and a contemporary classic in the stunningly physical and sophisticated concert, Physical Language March 4 - 6.

Physical Language is comprised of original choreography by second-year MFA in Dance candidate Alvin J Rangel, collaborative work with visual artist John Christensen and students in design technology, an autobiographical piece by guest choreographer Charlotte Boye-Christensen and excerpts from William Forsythe's contemporary masterpiece, "In the Middle Somewhat Elevated."

Program:

Key
Choreography by Charlotte Boye-Christensen

A metaphorical biography of Christensen's own goals, life and work, "Key" is based on the life of one of the most celebrated pianists of the 20th century, Glenn Gould. "Key" was originally presented as a work-in-progress in December 2010 as part of Dance Repertory Theatre's annual Fall Showing.

In the Middle Somewhat Elevated (excerpts)
Choreography by William Forsythe, Music by Thom Willems in collaboration with Leslie Stuck
Re-set for DRT by David Justin

A virtuoso piece, by an artist considered among the top five living choreographers in the world, "'In the Middle Somewhat Elevated's' strength is based on its simplicity" said Ballet Master, David Justin. The main theme, danced first by one ballerina, increases progressively in relation with the number of dancers, producing beautifully technical variations performed against Willems' electronic and frenetic soundtrack.

Carpe Diem
Choreography by Alvin J Rangel

Exploring the musical structure found in the Baroque artistic period, Carpe Diem mirrors the stylistic expression of the period aiming to describe human sentiments objectively through music in four emotions: Patience, Vitality, Vulnerability and Gratitude.

Blurred Boundaries
Choreography by Andrea Beckham and Yacov Sharir
Sculptural Visuals by John Christensen
Music by William Meadows

Presented in three sections, "Bags," "Gate," and "More" BLURRED BOUNDARIES features sculptural scenic elements created by visual artist, John Christensen. "The structure of the scenic gate design is explored by the dancers as 'pathways' or 'gates' to grace through movements that range from searching/seeking to flowing/flying, explains DRT Co-Artistic Director and choreographer Andrea Beckham. "Moving like water on the floor, and wind in the air, the dancers flow from one place on stage to another, from their past to their future."

Physical Language runs March 4, 5 at 8:00 p.m. March 5, 6 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $20 public, $17 faculty/staff and seniors, $10 students. On sale at the following authorized ticket outlets: Bass Concert Hall Box Office, most H-E-B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at www.TexasPerformingArts.org, or by calling 512-477-6060 or 800-982-BEVO.

The performance at 2:00 p.m. on March 5 is free and open to the public as part of Explore UT. Admission is general seating. No tickets required for the free performance.