CSN’S FALL DANCE CONCERT
EXPLORES THE VULNERABILITY OF THE
HUMAN MIND AND HEART IN
“MAD STOP REQUIEM”
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 AT 7:00 PM AND
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23 AT 2:00 PM
AT THE NICHOLAS J. HORN THEATRE
The College of Southern Nevada Dance Ensemble joins with the internationally acclaimed Concert Dance Company in unveiling the world premiere of a new contemporary ballet by choreographer and CSN Dance Program Director, Kelly Roth giving emotional voice to both afflicted and inflicted sufferers. Mad Stop Requiem takes inspiration from the emotionally painful behavioral condition known as borderline personality disorder or BPD.
BPD, also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, constitutes a serious mental health diagnosis characterized by unpredictable and intense mood swings; extreme shifts in self valuation, paranoia, fear of abandonment; and other negative symptoms. Causes for this difficult to treat condition are often hard to pinpoint but have been linked with both genetic predisposition and/or environmental triggers often related to childhood abuse and trauma. An unusual subject for a ballet, to say the least, choreographer Roth has constructed a metaphorical setting in which to abstract the rich selection of motional contrasts and theatrical potential inherent in a situation which impacts both BPD sufferers as well as those who often experience abuse through interaction with them. In a symbolism ridden scenario, the ballet presents an array of scenes reflective of romantic relationships, professional strivings, escapism, exhilaration and despair.
Roth says, “Ultimately this dance seeks to cast an understanding light on borderline sufferers and those who suffer with them.” But will it be entertaining? “We certainly hope so,” explains the dance maker, adding, “The ballet is set thirty miles from the Canadian border in a tiny berg where horror film director Wes Craven first thought up the storyline for Nightmare on Elm Street. It’s a rustic little town with an Elm Street all its own. As with Craven’s script, our production also delves into the netherworld of dark dreams and reality - dancing on the borderline where the two become blurred.” Enhancing the work will be a commissioned sound score by Norwegian film and theatre composer Thor Ellyk.
In striking contrast to the premiere, The Concert Dance Company will perform All You need 2: Yesterdaze. This light-hearted romp, first seen last July at the Las Vegas Dance in the Desert Festival, utilizes pianist John Bayless’ baroque styled piano improvisations on beloved Beatle tunes. Roth elaborates, “Those from my generation, will get a hit of nostalgia from this suite, at least that was the case at the festival last summer and when we performed on tour earlier this month in Arizona. It was fun as well to note the positive reaction of the kids to these half-century-old Beatles’ masterpieces played in the style of Bach!
General admission tickets for each performance is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Please visit our website: www.csn.edu/pac to purchase tickets. For more information, call the PAC Box Office at 702-651-LIVE (5483).
The CSN Performing Arts Center, provides quality artistic, cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities for the college and the community. It is located at 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue in North Las Vegas.