Program Description
Event Details
Artistic Director Spencer John Powell presents a new work titled “Graves”, based on his experience living with Graves’ disease for the past 20 years. Graves' disease, often called the “invisible disease”, is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is a common cause. Signs and symptoms of Graves' disease include: anxiety and irritability, fine tremor of hands or fingers, heat sensitivity, increase in perspiration, warm/moist skin, weight loss, enlargement of thyroid gland (goiter), change in menstrual cycles, erectile dysfunction or reduced libido, frequent bowel movements, bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy), fatigue, thick red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves' dermopathy), rapid or irregular heartbeat, and mood swings (Graves’ Rage). Powell takes all of these symptoms to create new movement. Dancers slide and glide around the stage, sometimes out of control, and then back into control as is life with Graves’.
Powell will also re-stage his 2015 work “Arctic Nights”, originally commissioned for Diversionary Theatre’s production “Hot Guys Dancing”. In this production, Powell takes a new look at the work and adjusts the cast to include female dancers.
Powell also presents a new work titled “Manifesto” that looks into the world of gender identity and trans-genderism, beautifully performed by new VDT dancer Gregory Higley.
In-resident choreographer Kiona Daelyn presents a new work titled “Thaw”. This piece is the first work from the suite titled “Out of Balance”, a reflection and exploration of our changing climate. “Thaw” takes the audience through cycles of polar ice and glaciers melting and freezing and then into a continuous warming trend as waters move more swiftly, ice flows drift further apart, and sea levels rise. “Thaw” examines the movement of water and glacial landscapes, as well as the animals and people affected by a melting arctic region and sea level rise.