John Jahnke's ALAS, THE NYMPHS... Premieres at BAM Tonight

ALAS, THE NYMPHS... a World Premiere by John Jahnke/Hotel Savant will take the BAM Fisher stage (Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Pl) tonight, December 9-12 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $25.

A world premiere work from Hotel Savant Artistic Director John Jahnke, ALAS, THE NYMPHS... is based on the ancient Greek myth of Hylas, about an Argonaut presumed abducted by water nymphs. Featuring music by electronic composer Fennesz, the production tells the story of a Greek king who abandons his war-torn country for the safety of a cliff-side cave. It is the first installment of Jahnke's Men Go Down trilogy, which traces the extended lifespan of that same tormented ruler, a man who cannot die until he makes a decision about how to handle his human responsibilities. ALAS, THE NYMPHS... focuses on the king's initial abandonment of his country and its consequences, with a particular focus on the topical issue of sexual violence during periods of war and civil unrest.

ALAS, THE NYMPHS... is written and directed by John Jahnke, with original score by Fennesz, choreographic contribution by Jordan Isadore, set design by Gordon Landenberger, video design by Josh Higgason and Andrew Schneider, sound design by Kristin Worrall, costumes by Ramona Ponce and lighting design by Laura Mroczkowski.

Many elements of the production upend expected performance norms. The cheoregrapher will create a movement score for two performers independent from Jahnke's rehearsals in an effort to create two separate works that can be performed as one; the arrhythmic result will serve to heighten the fragmented nature of Jahnke's poetic text.

In addition, while the BAM engagement marks the world premiere of this first installment of the trilogy, part three-Black Recollections-premiered as part of Performance Space 122's 2011 COIL festival, and was the first section to be staged.

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