Modern dance performance set April 7

Shawn T. Bible, visiting assistant professor of dance at Idaho State University and artistic director of stbdance, will present an athletic and provocative performance of storytelling through modern dance at 7:30 p.m. April 7 at the James E. and Beverly Rogers Black Box Theatre located in the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center.

The performance, titled “Bible Studies,” for mature audiences only, explores critical issues of gender, sexual identity and misogyny while also exploring aspects of abandonment and denial. The presentation “Man to Man,” commenting on sexual orientation and sexual identity in mainstream culture, displays the hardships a young gay couple faces when one of them fears public knowledge of his gay life. The duet is danced by Bible and Philip Shepard to the music of C.P.E. Bach.

In “anonymous the dancer,” criticisms of the famous artist Edgar Degas surface and his so-called “misogynistic tendencies” are questioned. The role of Degas’ “dancer” is performed by soloist, Caroline Burnett, to the music “Ne me quitt pas,” by Jacques Brel.  

“Bible Studies” also features experimentation with technology-incorporated dance by utilizing live-feed video projection. “Scrutinize Me” challenges America’s obsession with body politics and images of perfection through the interrogation of the performer by a video camera.  Chris Ellis follows the performer, Bible, throughout the space while zooming in on his body’s imperfections and projecting them onto the backdrop.  Ellis eventually turns the camera on the audience to uncover their imperfections and discomfort under the microscope.

Guest performers include ISU dance faculty member Lauralee Zimmerly and several ISU Theatre/Dance students.

Admission is $5 at the door.  All proceeds support the ISU Theatre/Dance Student Scholarship Fund.

For information, call (208) 282-2597.