University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre & Dance Presents REFUGIA This Weekend

The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance presents the new work Refugia, this weekend, February 12-15 at the B. Iden Payne Theatre. An original idea developed by the internationally renowned ensemble The Moving Company,Refugia is an investigation into the lives of those who find themselves at the crossroads of transition, navigating life's margins.

Refugia: origin: Latin, literally "place of refuge;" an area in which a population of organisms can survive through a period of unfavorable conditions.

Refugia is created by Dominique Serrand, Steven Epp, Nathan Keepers and Christina Baldwin of The Moving Company, former members of the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Composed in five chapters, Refugia explores humanity's constant state of passage - geographically, emotionally, and physically, across those borders that only exist of our own creation. Cinematic, yet highly theatrical, this innovative work is an evocative and uplifting story of transformation.

"The largest number of refugees in history was recorded out of Syria last fall - I believe around 300,000 in just a few days. A small town in northern France has seen the number of refugees waiting to cross the channel equal the size of its resident population," shares director Dominique Serrand. "Populations of Sudan, Mali, Congo, Niger, Libya, and so on, are constantly on the move trying to save their lives. The first 15 years of the 21st century has been the most devastating years of any century around the globe in terms of wars and dislocation of communities around the world based on their religious, racial or ethnic background. Our show is not an illustration of these acts, but rather a poetic journey about the larger sense of refuge."

The Moving Company is led by co-artistic directors Dominique Serrand and Steven Epp, and artistic associates Nathan Keepers and Christina Baldwin. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Moving Company was founded in 2008, and is dedicated to creating new works of theatre for audiences locally, nationally and throughout the world, and to a collaborative process that nurtures and empowers the creativity of all artists.

In the tradition of previous Moving Company shows such as Come Hell and High Water (University of California, Davis), The War Within/All's Fair (University of Minnesota), and Out of the Pan Into the Fire (University of Iowa), company members collaborate with University of Texas at Austin students to create a cohesive yet expansive theatrical experience. This Moving Company model of developing ideas at the collegiate/graduate level allows for in depth study and exploration in a "lab" setting, creating a strong foundation to then later produce a professional production in the company's home base of Minneapolis.

"An important part of the Department of Theatre and Dance is the development of new work. The Moving Company is one of the most innovative companies in America dedicated to making new creations," remarks department Chair Brant Pope. "We are excited to collaborate with these award-winning artists, and for our students and audiences to be the first to see this timely and compelling piece."

Refugia features an all-star cast including the following members of The Moving Company and University of Texas at Austin students: Christina Baldwin, Steven Epp, Nathan Keepers, Dominique Serrand, Emma Center, Josh Cole, Robert Di Donato, Hope Higgins, Jordan Maranto, Tucker Martin, Madison Palomo, Aya Seidemann, Max Torrez, Arnoldo Treviño Jr., Katy Wicker and Jesse Wormington.

Direction by Dominique Serrand Ÿ Lighting Design by Rachel Alulis Ÿ Technical Direction Lawrence Bennett ŸIntegrated Media Design by Kate Ducey Ÿ Integrated Media Design by Lacey Erb Ÿ Sound Design by Billy Henry ŸScenic Design by Michael Krauss Ÿ Costume Design by Mercedes O'Bannion Ÿ Stage Management by Kristian Wolf Piña

For more information on Refugia, please visit JoinTheDrama.org.