Kennedy Theatre

Media Release

Department of Theatre and Dance
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
1770 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822

Contact: Jessica L. Jacob, Publicity Director
Phone: (808) 956-2598
Fax: (808) 956-4234
Box Office: (808) 956-7655 (v/t)
email: theatre-pr@hawaii.edu

October 16, 2003
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UHM’S ERNST LAB THEATRE BECOMES CYBERSTAGE FOR DANCE CONCERT

The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents the 2003 “Fall Footholds” concert showcasing Master of Fine Arts in Dance candidate Christine Berwin. The program begins with Berwin’s “dancetalent@cyberstage.com,” a futuristic “cyberstage” collaboration of modern dance, drama, technology, and acrobatics. The performance continues with eclectic works featuring UHM Dance students in a variety of colorful and exciting dance forms including modern dance, Indonesian dance, hula, and Bharatanatyam. “Fall Footholds” will be performed in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre November 5, 6, 7, 8 at 8 p.m. and November 9 at 2 p.m. The Friday night performance features a post-show discussion with the performers.

The section of the dance concert “dancetalent@cyberstage.com” leaps into a “Zoolander-esque” world of the future. United by a script written by Nicolas Logue and incorporating graphic design elements by Digital Jockey Productions, the dances are presented as holograms used to sell a piece of choreography in order to promote the latest product of fictional Fairlight Industries. A trio and quintet join featured dancer, choreographer and director Christine Berwin on the stage. Jeremy Pippin and Ofeibia Laud-Darku act the parts of advertising agents pressured to sell the product. An acrobatic piece includes the integration of a seven-foot by nine-foot anatomically inspired sculpture by student designer Dan Gelbmann. Director of Dance Gregg Lizenbery contributes his talents to this multifaceted production as a special guest choreographer. “dancetalent@cyberstage.com” comments on how the performing art of dance exists in a world dominated by media, advertising and consumerism.

Berwin brings to her creation a lifetime of movement studies and performance. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Berwin received her BFA in Dance from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1999. She competed on the UCSB varsity gymnastics team having trained for nine years under legendary Olympic trainer Isamu Sakamoto. In addition to the pursuit of an MFA in Dance at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, she has danced for Honolulu Dance Theatre, Monkey and the Waterfall, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre and is on the Cirque du Soliel’s potential performer list. She has also taught dance, gymnastics, and performing arts at UHM, UH Outreach, Hawaii Academy, Punahou School, Kaimuki YMCA, and N2Dance. Last year Berwin was honored with the Hawai‘i State Theatre Council’s Po’okela Award for her acrobatic performance as the “Skink” in Kennedy Theatre’s 2002 production of “Eco-Circus.”

Tickets for “Fall Footholds” go on sale Monday, November 3 at the Kennedy Theatre Box Office. Tickets may be purchased in person or charged-by-phone at 956-7655 (v/t) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 regular, $8 seniors, military, UH faculty/staff, non-UHM students, $3 UHM students with validated Fall 2003 UHM photo ID. For more information, charge-by-phone, or disability access, call the Kennedy Theatre Box office at 956-7655 (v/t).

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