James Sewell Ballet: Social Movements

The 15th season of the Minneapolis-based company offers a variety of movement perspectives. Among the highlights is "Social Movements," a pairing of art and political expression created in collaboration with St. Paul composer Steve Heitzeg. Over the course of four movements, the major issues of our time are explored, beginning with "Protest," inspired by Norman Morrison, a 31-year-old Quaker who set himself on fire in front of the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. Morrison's widow, Anne Morrison-Walsh, who has written a book about her husband's sacrifice, will participate in pre-performance talks during the opening weekend. The work also includes a Green movement pitting the dancers against a growing mound of garbage, "Displacement," which examines the plight of refugees, and "Equality," a wish for a brighter future. Other works on the program include Sally Rousse's "By the Gypsy River Banks" and Penelope Freeh's "Table Waltz."
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sat., April 12, 11 a.m.; Sun., April 13, 2 p.m. Starts: April 4. Continues through April 12, 2008