Morphoses Makes Joyce Theater Debut With BACCHAE, 10/25-30

When Morphoses began life in 2007, it was determined to make a difference. A big one. Four years later, directed by co-founder Lourdes Lopez, the company remains the same go for broke band of experimentalists dedicated to bringing new choreography to new audiences in new ways.

Consider the company's Joyce Theater debut, October 25-30, where it will present the world premiere of Luca Veggetti's "Bacchae." Courtesy of Morphoses's fearless imagination, there will be a simultaneous live feed from The Joyce Theater's Thursday night performance to Zaitzeff, a chic Lower East Side hamburger bistro and the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, a vibrant South Bronx cultural community organization. The triple performance event, which creates a bridge between what is being performed inside the theater and audiences in multiple outside locations, marks a first for the dance world. It is part of Morphoses's commitment to attracting new and diverse audiences to dance.

Veggetti's "Bacchae" is based on the early 5th century BC Euripides tragedy, whose themes-the conflict between the rational and irrational in man and the destructive power of revenge-remain as pertinent to 21st century audiences as they were to those of the playwright's own time. One of the great masterpieces of Greek theater, the play centers on the carnage wrought by the filial fury unleashed by the god of fertility and wine, Dionysus, at the mistreatment of his mortal mother, Semele, and his brutal treatment of his cousin Pentheus, a symbol of order and civility. Veggetti's "Bacchae" is a starkly drawn distillation of the moral, philosophical and emotional issues that have ensured the play's contemporary relevance.

The cast for "Bacchae" features Sarah Atkins, Christopher Bordenave, Frances Chiaverini, Brandon Cournay, Adrian Danchig-Waring, Brittany Fridenstine, Gabrielle Lamb, Willy Laury, Morgan Lugo, Emma Pfaeffle, and Yusha-Marie Sorzano. The original score and sound design are by Paolo Aralla; flautist Erin Lesser will play live. Text adaptation and dramaturgy are by Luca Scarlini. The lighting is by RodeRick Murray and the costumes are by Luca Veggetti and Benjamin Briones. Nel Shelby Productions will direct Thursday evening's live feed. The equipment, including the projectors, monitors and flat screen televisions, is being provided by NEC.

The evening curtains for Morphoses's Joyce Theater season are October 25, 26 at 7:30pm, and October 27, 28, 29 at 8pm. There is a 2pm matinee on October 30. A post-performance "Dance Chat" will take place on Wednesday, October 26.

Tickets are $59, $35 and $19 and can be purchased online at www.joyce.org, by calling 212-242-0800, or at The Joyce Theater box office located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19th Street. A limited number of $10 tickets are available by calling 212-242-0800.

Zaitzeff is located at 18 Avenue B (between 2nd and 3rd St.) and the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Educations is located at 928 Simpson Street in the Bronx.

To learn more about Morphoses, please visit http://www.morphoses.org.

Photo: Kyle Froman Design: Michael Benfiglio/EJA