DSU theater presents “The Lady in the Tower: Part I”

“The Lady in the Tower: Part I” is an “aerial-dance-drama” based upon a tale of courtly love by 13th century French poet Marie de France. Collectively created by the cast and faculty, “The Lady in the Tower: Part I” combines storytelling and song with elements of mime, expressive movement, aerial silks, and trapeze to tell the story of a young woman imprisoned for seven years by her old and possessive husband in a tower where she dreams of love and flight. It will be performed May 2–4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box of the Eccles Center at Dixie State University. The performance is free and open to the public.

This work in progress is the culmination of two semesters of training and experimentation in DSU’s new program in devised physical theater and aerial dance. Students have been working with Janette Hough, a specialist in aerial dance; Philip Salata, a specialist in European traditions of devised physical theater and the work of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards; and Alexei Syssoyev, instructor of movement at DSU and a specialist in Russian stage movement, French mime, and stage combat. The project was conceived and directed by Dr. Kathryn Mederos Syssoyeva, assistant professor of performance at DSU and a specialist in collaborative devising, circus theater, and Russian avant-garde performance traditions.

This draft, representing one half of the entire envisaged performance to be revised and brought to completion in 2017-18, will be presented with a discussion with the cast about their training and creative process.

More information about “The Lady in the Tower: Part I” can be found online.

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