‘Rumidance: This is Now’, a full concert program, is a uniquely American celebration of the 13th century Persian mystic poet, Jelaluddin Rumi. Dancer and choreographer Robin Becker along with cellist Eric Edberg, flutist Akal Dev Sharonne and actor/director John McManus come together to respond to Rumi’s poetry through the spoken text, improvised and choreographed dance and a melding of classical and contemporary music. Rumi’s poetry addresses the need to live fully in the moment, accepting and celebrating the joys, the contradictions and mysteries of life. In the spirit of Rumi, these four accomplished artists create a performance that captures the essence of ‘now’.
Musician Eric Edberg:
Erik is a classical and improvising cellist and hand drummer. He was trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts, Juilliard, and Peabody. His teachers included Leonard Rose and Bernard Greenhouse. In addition to his classical performance career and teaching at the DePauw University School of Music, he frequently leads self-expression workshops and drum circles.
Musician Akal Dev Sharonne:
Akal Dev has appeared as soloist with the Boston Pops, with Clarion Concerts, and with orchestras in New York and Massachusetts. She has improvised in concert with Paul Winter, David Darling, and Paul Horn, and has appeared in Rumi performances at the Joyce Soho Theater in New York City and in Chapel Hill with Coleman Barks. She is the Co-Artistic Director of the Columbia Chamber Players.
Actor John McManus:
John is originally from Australia. He works as an actor, teacher, and director and is certified in Eurythmy. He has directed plays by Chekhov, Shakespeare, Wilder, Miller, Shaw, Ionesco, and others. Recent acting roles includes Prospero in The Tempest, King Cymbeline in Cymbeline, Duncan in Macbeth (Shakespeare Alive!) The Snow Goose, (Solo performance) and Rumi With a View, (Columbia Chamber Players). He was a founding member and artistic director of Walking the Dog Theater before founding Shakespeare Alive!, an actors’ training center in Kinderhook, New York.
Naming
A response to Native American culture and its near destruction, this work evolves in sections: Before, Naming, Chaos, Forms, Shadows, Circles. Danced by the entire company, it is a testament to the struggle of spirit against relentless odds. Performed in full (37 minutes) or as the opening self-contained duet (15 minutes), which delves into the mystery, and evolution of the male/female relationship. Original score composed by Valerie Naranjo. Live or taped music.
Cathedrals of Time
Surrealistic in quality, this work examines differing perceptions and experiences of time. The work is based on the book Einstein’s Dream, by novelist and physicist Alan Lightman. Taped music of Armand Amar and of Tibetan Bowls. (10 minutes)
The Arms of Darkness
This work developed from the mythological theme of the descent to the underworld as a rite of passage. The choreography explores and embraces the light and dark aspects of the feminine principle. A duet comprised of women. Live or taped music with original voice score by Tiye Giraud. (15 minutes)
Kindred
Inspired by the communal and ritual behavior of elephants and by Ganesh, the Hindu elephant deity, this work is both powerful and emotional. Danced by three women and two men to a score composed by Tiye Giraud. Live or taped music. (25 minutes)
Landing
Inspired by a dream of celestial messengers delivering a soul to earth. This trio becomes a dynamic exploration of the struggle to rise and birth new life. The work is structured in three sections and is performed to an original score composed by Scott Steidl. Taped music.
(15 minutes)
Drinking From My Bowl Of Green Tea, I Stopped The War
A juxtaposition of the power of contemplative life in the face of war and destruction, this work for 15 dancers is to an original score composed by Matthew Ferry. Taped and live music.
(17 minutes)
Weaving
Explores the intimacy, interconnectedness and mutual support of three women, drawing from the ancient native mythology of spinning and weaving. Taped music of John Adams. (11 minutes)
Autumn
A solo inspired by the paintings of autumn leaves by Georgia O’Keefe. The work explores the beauty, loss, and cyclical return of the fall season. Original score by Eric Edberg. (7min)
Prayer
A meditative solo based on a Rodin sculpture, danced by Ms. Becker to the music of Anton Dvorak. Taped music. (7.5 minutes)
Branching Waters
A sweeping lyrical work for seven dancers set to the music of Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. Romantic and full of feeling. Taped Music (17 minutes).