IC Theatre presents six pieces of original choreography in "Dance: No Translation Needed." Dance professors Mary Corsaro, Amy Walker O'Brien, Elizabeth Livesay, and Lindsay Gilmour each choreograph unique stories using the language of movement and the traditions of tap, modern, ballet, and jazz.
One of the featured works is Gilmour's modern piece, "Nothing but the Sky," which honors 14 Tibetan nuns imprisoned in the late 1980s and early 1990s for peacefully demonstrating in Lhasa, Tibet, for the political and religious freedoms denied them since the Chinese government began occupation of Tibet over 40 years ago.
Earlier this month, Lhasa once again erupted in protests, the largest since the late 1980s and 1990s, as monks and lay people alike took to the streets asking for fundamental human rights. "Nothing but the Sky" explores this continuous struggle and draws from field recordings the choreographer made of the imprisoned nuns and an interview with a Tibetan ex-political prisoner. The nuns refused to give up their fight, and clandestinely recorded songs and poems in tribute to their homeland and its spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Twenty years later, Tibetans still seek basic political and religious rights and have not given up their call for freedom. The Dalai Lama has described what is taking place in Tibet as a "cultural" genocide, and has long asked the Chinese government to respect Tibetan culture and traditions. "Nothing but the Sky" is a tribute to their courage.
Lindsay Gilmour, choreographer and assistant professor at Ithaca College, received her master's degree from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs with a focus in Tibetan studies and conflict resolution. She worked previously in the Tibetan exile community at Dharmashala, India; at the Tibetan Center for Conflict Resolution; and at Gu Chu Sum, an association for ex-political prisoners. She also leads a program in Tibet exploring Tibetan history and culture. Currently she is a student at Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca.
Performances of "Dance: No Translation Needed" will be held at 8:00 p.m. on March 25, 27, 28, 29, and at 2:00 p.m. March 29 and 30. Tickets can be purchased at the Ithaca College Theatre ticket office in Dillingham Center or at the Clinton House Ticket Center. Ticket prices range from $4.50 to $10.00. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (203) 260-9508. For more information call (607) 274-3224 or visit www.ithaca.edu/theatre.
