UMD School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies 19-20 Season

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

SCHOOL OF THEATRE, DANCE, AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES

C O M M I T T E D TO E XC E L L E N C E A N D I N N O VAT I V E E D U CAT I O N

SEASON

UMD SCHOOL OF THEATRE, DANCE, AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES advances and transforms the research and practice of theater, dance and performance studies through its commitment to excellence and innovative education in the performing arts.

I am happy to announce

JANE dance). Ronya-Lee Anderson and Heidi McFall present

our 2019-20 Main Stage

their MFA thesis works. All four artists bring their individual

Season, featuring works

perspectives on dance together, through multidisciplinary and

that

multi-genre movement, music and visual art.

demonstrate

the

School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies’ (TDPS) mission to advance research,

practice

and

education in the fields of theater and dance. This year, our productions celebrate the power of women today and throughout history, as we continue to highlight themes that deeply resonate with society through the performing arts.

In the allegorical dark comedy The Visit by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, we tell the story of a woman’s revenge to explore questions of patriarchal rule, justice and democracy. Flyin’ West by Pearl Cleage highlights female empowerment and racial pride in African American communities during the post-emancipation era in the United States that endure today.

In the spring, we present Henrik Ibsen’s classic A Doll House to question the gendered roles that society assigns to men and women. Noises Off by Michael Frayn is a hilarious farce that portrays the chaos that ensues from a combination of jealous lovers, cluelessness and power hierarchies. She Kills Monsters

by Qui Nguyen draws on nerd culture to explore themes of

Through Second Season, we present the work of students who have been selected to produce, write, choreograph, market and design their own pieces, with mentorship from faculty and graduate students. This opportunity helps students develop skills in critical inquiry, creative problem solving and collaboration, which they will take with them into the professional performing arts world.

This spring, we host two regional events for two national performing arts organizations: the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) and the annual Mid-Atlantic North Conference of the American College Dance Association (ACDA), making the school a destination for hundreds of college students and faculty for performances, master classes, scholarly dialogue and creative collaboration with leading artists, educators and practitioners.

Thank you for supporting our students as they reach for their academic and artistic potentials. We invite you to join us this season to see their incredible transformations take place.

Sincerely,

queer representation, sisterhood, loss and acceptance.

This fall, we present the Madden Dance Project, an evening of new works by choreographers Kendra Portier (artist-inresidence) and Heidi Henderson (artistic director of elephant

Leigh Wilson Smiley DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF THEATRE, DANCE, & PERFORMANCE STUDIES

MAIN STAGE FALL 2019 This season TDPS presents eight Main Stage performances directed and choreographed by nationally and internationally recognized artists. From classics to new works, TDPS students stretch the minds and engage the hearts of their audiences.

The Visit Written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt Translated by Maurice Valency Brian MacDevitt, director Leigh Wilson Smiley, acting coach Kendra Portier, choreographer

SAT, SEP 28 • 7:30PM SUN, SEP 29 • 2PM & 7:30PM WED, OCT 2 • 7:30PM THU, OCT 3 • 7:30PM FRI, OCT 4 • 7:30PM SAT, OCT 5 • 2PM & 7:30PM Set in the fictitious town of Güllen, this allegorical dark comedy tells the story of a woman’s revenge on a community that cast her out when she was pregnant and impoverished. The play arcs from absurdist to barbarous in order to question what happens when civil ethics, personal morality, patriarchal rule, justice and democracy go amok.

MFA Dance Thesis Concert Ronya-Lee Anderson, choreographer Heidi McFall, choreographer

FRI, OCT 4 • 7:30PM SAT, OCT 5 • 2PM & 7:30PM SUN, OCT 6 • 2PM

All events are held at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Maryland. theclarice.umd.edu 301.405.ARTS

Black Madonna and Miss America by Ronya-Lee Anderson is an investigation of socio-political happenings in conversation with the positioning of the Black female icon in public and private spheres.

Corpora Caelestia: A Movement Opera by Heidi McFall is a music and dance collaborative performance featuring a live organ, voice and movement by an ensemble of women.

Flyin’ West Written by Pearl Cleage Scot Reese and Alvin Mayes, co-directors

FRI, NOV 1 • 7:30PM SUN, NOV 3 • 2PM & 7:30PM WED, NOV 6 • 7:30PM THU, NOV 7 • 7:30PM FRI, NOV 8 • 7:30PM SAT, NOV 9 • 2PM & 7:30 PM Set in 1898, Flyin’ West is the story of African American women pioneers who settled together in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. This work by Pearl Cleage explores themes of determination, racial pride, intermarriage and the power of love to highlight the female empowerment that she sees as vital to the African American community.

Madden Dance Project elephant JANE dance Heidi Henderson, choreographer BANDportier Kendra Portier, choreographer

FRI, NOV 15 • 7:30PM SAT, NOV 16 • 3PM & 7:30PM SUN, NOV 17 • 3PM In reiterative solos and tender duets, untitled sad piece by elephant JANE dance examines small sadnesses, those moments when we allow ourselves to not be chipper. Burnish (Magenta #08) by BANDportier explores the magical phenomenon of the color magenta through wild movement, complex patterns and expressive rhythm to create something unnerving, boldly feminine and poetic.

The research of Dorothy G. Madden Professor of Dance, Maura Keefe, Ph.D., about women choreographers led to the support of the creation of these two works.

Tickets: GENERAL PUBLIC: $25 FREE FOR UMD STUDENTS OTHER STUDENT / YOUTH: $10

MAIN STAGE SPRING 2020

A Doll House Written by Henrik Ibsen Mitchell Hébert, director

FRI, FEB 7 • 7:30PM SAT, FEB 8 • 7:30PM SUN, FEB 9 • 2PM WED, FEB 12 • 7:30PM THU, FEB 13 • 7:30PM FRI, FEB 14 • 7:30PM SAT, FEB 15 • 2PM & 7:30PM Performed by an all-female cast, this production of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House questions the roles that society assigns to men and women. This fresh perspective on the classic play encourages audiences to question what has changed since 19th-century Europe through the interpretations of six women actors playing male and female characters.

Noises Off Written by Michael Frayn Lisa Nathans, director

BUY AN ARTS PASS TODAY! Get the best deal on tickets and parking as you experience your favorite performances throughout the season! theclarice.umd.edu/arts-pass

FRI, FEB 21 • 7:30PM SAT, FEB 22 • 2PM & 7:30PM SUN, FEB 23 • 2PM WED, FEB 26 • 7:30PM THU, FEB 27 • 7:30PM FRI, FEB 28 • 7:30PM SAT, FEB 29 • 2PM Tensions run high as Lloyd Dallas, the director of this play’s play-within-a-play, struggles to prepare his accident-prone cast for the opening of British bedroom comedy Nothing On. Michael Frayn’s award-winning farce details the hilarity that ensues behindthe-scenes of a theatrical production.

She Kills Monsters Written by Qui Nguyen Rachel Grossman, director

SAT, MAY 2 • 7:30PM SUN, MAY 3 • 2PM & 7:30PM WED, MAY 6 • 7:30PM THU, MAY 7 • 7:30PM FRI, MAY 8 • 7:30PM SAT, MAY 9 • 2PM & 7:30PM After the sudden and tragic death of her younger sister Tilly, Agnes Evans discovers a mysterious online fantasy gaming notebook that offers clues into her sister’s life. This touching story draws on nerd culture and queer representation to explore themes of sisterhood, loss and acceptance.

UMoves: Undergraduate Dance Concert Kendra Portier, director

FRI, MAY 8 • 7:30PM SAT, MAY 9 • 3PM & 7:30PM SUN, MAY 10 • 3PM In this fast-paced, rigorous and celebratory program, undergraduate dance students set new works of art into motion in a concert of original choreography.

Tickets: GENERAL PUBLIC: $25 FREE FOR UMD STUDENTS OTHER STUDENT / YOUTH: $10

SECOND SEASON Second Season features original works created, performed and produced

by TDPS students.

FRI, OCT 18 • 7:30PM | SUN, OCT 20 • 2PM & 7PM

I Have an Idea for a Play Written by Jordan Resnick Directed by Katie Arnold

Doubled Bodies Choreographed by Kristina Harris and Gabriel Mata

FRI, NOV 22 • 7:30PM | SUN, NOV 24 • 2PM & 7PM

Breath, Boom Written by Kia Corthron Directed by Jasmine Mitchell

Revolt Written & Directed by Walker Green Music Direction by Liezel Werner

FRI, DEC 6 • 7:30PM | SAT, DEC 7 • 2PM & 7PM

Soundtrack Written by Diallo Adams

The Triumph of Horus: An Ancient Egyptian Sacred Drama Translated by H. W. Fairman Adapted and Directed by Allison Hedges

FRI, JAN 31 . 7:30PM | SAT, FEB 1 . 2PM & 7PM

Untitled Choregraphed by Gabriela Grant

Champagne Party for Time Travelers Written and Choreographed by Sydney Lemelin / Hana Huie

FREE Tickets available beginning one week before the first performance.

FRI, APRIL 3 . 7:30PM | SAT, APRIL 4 . 2PM & 7PM

Shared Graduate Dance Concert Choregraphed by M.F.A. Dance candidates

A LEGACY OF PUPPETRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

When Jim Henson ’60 attended the University of Maryland, his puppetry career was emerging. Although he had already debuted his skills on a local Maryland television show, he enrolled in a new course focused on puppetry at UMD and met his future wife, Jane Nebel Henson ’55, who became his lifelong collaborator.

TDPS also welcomes some of the world’s leading puppeteers

Since the Hensons’ time at UMD, TDPS has championed their

as artists-in-residence. Recent artists have included

legacy by offering opportunities to study the art form and, in

acclaimed puppet designer Robin Frohardt, as well as Zvi

return, develop creativity, collaboration and storytelling skills.

Sahar and Leslie Strongwater from the Israeli-based company PuppetCinema. These artists offer courses emphasizing new

Each year, TDPS honors the Muppets creator through the

perspectives in puppetry and work with students to find their

Henson Awards Showcase. The award provides students

voice through their art.

with funding to create a puppet project or performance with the support of the Jim Henson Fund for Puppetry.

As a result of the opportunities in puppetry offered at TDPS,

The work covers topics ranging from mental health and

many graduates develop careers in the field. A prominent

environmentalism to grief and coping.

example is DC-based Pointless Theatre Company, founded by a group of TDPS alumni in 2009. The company is recognized

M.F.A. Dance alumna Stacey Carlson ’19 is a two-time

for its experimental work in puppetry, theater, dance, music

recipient of the TDPS Henson Award (2017 and 2019).

and visual arts, winning the Helen Hayes John Aniello Award

Through a combination of puppetry and dance, she explored

Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company in 2014.

such themes as metamorphosis, life transitions and Jungian psychology. One of her creations is currently on display in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library’s exhibit, “Inspired!

Jim Henson at Maryland,” featuring archives of Henson’s academic and creative work at UMD in the 1950s.

To learn more about Jim Henson’s legacy at UMD, visit “The Inspired!

Jim Henson at Maryland” exhibit at the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, open through May 26, 2020. This year’s TDPS Henson Awards Showcase will take place on April 7, 2020.

NEW PATHS OF INQUIRY Jeremy Bennett (M.F.A. ’20) Projection and Multimedia Design Jeremy Bennett is a second-year M.F.A. design candidate with a specialization in projection and multimedia design. In his first year at TDPS, his work was featured in The Heidi Chronicles, directed by Professor Scot Reese, and in the Spring MFA Dance Thesis Concert, featuring Tides by Ama Law and 's (apostrophe s) by Shawn Stone. This fall, he is the projection designer for The Visit, directed by Tony Award-winning professor Brian MacDevitt.

What attracted you to the M.F.A. in projection design program at UMD? I was most attracted to UMD’s reputation, particularly within the theater scene in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. I was seeking mentorship with a working professional in the field of projection design and heard about Assistant Professor Jared Mezzocchi through a former undergraduate professor. I’m energized by Jared’s passion for the field, and I’m grateful for the support he gives to his students. It’s exciting to be part of the relatively new field of projection design and participate in conversations about technology and the future of theater.

How does the M.F.A. Design program prepare you to be an artist and a scholar?

For me, being an artist and a scholar go hand in hand. I really enjoy the research component of the design process and seeing how it supports the artistic vision. I find that the biggest challenge is learning to articulate my creative ideas, and I’m learning how to work my own ideas into the director’s or choreographer’s overall concept.

Tell us about your work on TDPS’ production of The Visit coming up this fall.

I’m thrilled to be working with director Brian MacDevitt on The Visit, and it is going to be an outrageous show! Without giving too much away, I can say that our concept will involve lots of silhouettes and shadow play. The projections will support the absurdist and humorous nature of the production.

What professional design opportunities have you been exposed to through the M.F.A. program?

Our faculty are constantly working in the field, and because UMD is a research university, they frequently take on graduate students as assistants. We also work closely with the professional production team at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. These are great networking opportunities, and I have been asking to work on a couple of exciting projects next semester, which I’m not quite ready to divulge yet!

DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER MULTIPLE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE , DANCE , AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES:

DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS

ENDOWED FACULTY POSITIONS

Through your generous support, the

Through a strong liberal arts education

With your support, we can continue to

larger Maryland community is able to

within a research university and with

recruit and retain world class performing

experience the performing arts in new

rigorous training in the performing

arts faculty who engage their expertise

and profound ways. Your gifts provide

arts, our students become artists

and passion to reimagine arts education

unparalleled learning opportunities

and

and scholarship — rooted in tradition and

for our students to understand the

next generation. Your support for

cultures of the world, help faculty

scholarships and fellowships ensures

infuse

innovation

that the UMD School of Theatre,

into their curriculum and expand

Dance, and Performance Studies

opportunities for us to collaborate

attracts and retains top students.

creativity

and

with local artists in the creation of original works. Thank you!

scholars

who

inspire

the

engaged with emerging technologies.

For more information on how to support the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, please contact:

David Robinson-Slemp Images used throughout the brochure are by staff photographers David Andrews, Geoff Sheil and Thai Nguyen or created by the ARHU Marketing & Communications creative team.

Assistant Director of Development for the Performing Arts drslemp1@umd.edu • 301-405-4623

2810 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742

SAVE ON TICKETS AND PARKING WITH AN ARTS PASS! See inside for details.