Luna Negra Dance Theater, devoted to the creation and presentation of Latino contemporary dance, presents its spring concert, a performance of the work of four critically acclaimed Latino choreographers, at the Athenaeum Theatre on March 5 and 6. The concert features a world premiere by Bessie award-winner Pedro Ruiz, a reprise of three acclaimed pieces by Luna Negra artistic director Eduardo Vilaro, as well as recent work by Hubbard Street veteran Ron DeJesus and a masterpiece by the late celebrated Venezuelan choreographer, Vicente Nebrada.
Luna Negra's March concert program will include:
* "Sonetos de Amor (Love Sonnets)" by Pedro Ruiz—a world premiere exclusively created for Luna Negra. Inspired by the words of the poet Pablo Neruda, Ruiz has created a lyrical and romantic piece set to a range of music from Mexico to South America.
* "Cantos par una Noche Viajera (Songs for a Night Journey)" by Eduardo Vilaro—an ensemble dance set to Dvorak's "Gypsy Songs" sung by soprano Michelle Areyzaga and accompanied on piano by Ravinia Festival's Welz Kauffman. It was premiered at Ravinia Festival in 2004.
* "Vidrio" by Eduardo Vilaro—a romantic duet set to Rachmaninoff's "Vocalize," sung by soprano Michelle Areyzaga and accompanied on piano by Ravinia Festival's Welz Kauffman. It was premiered at Ravinia Festival in 2004.
* "Late—after Siesta" by Eduardo Vilaro—a magical duet that uses gestures, both funny and horrific, to expose a couple's emotional ambiguity and struggles to find connection. It is set to music by Alejandro Jaen as sung by Chavela Vargas.
* "The Last 12 Minutes" by Ron DeJesus—a deep and intense piece that imagines the choices we make and the emotions we experience to get to acceptance and release in both life and death. It was premiered at Dance Chicago, 2004.
* "Batucada Fantastica" by Vicente Nebrada—a classic work by the late Venezuelan master choreographer. It is a stunning series of eight solos that culminate in a riot of ensemble dancing. Set to the music of Luciano Perrone, this piece captures the exuberant energy of Brazil's Carnival.
The Spring performances will be Saturday, March 5, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m. The Athenaeum Theatre is located at 2936 N. Southport Ave. Tickets are $15-$20 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500 (ticketmaster.com) and The Athenaeum Theatre Box Office at (773) 935-6860.
For more information about Luna Negra Dance Theater visit lunanegra.org or call (312) 337-6882. |
