Critically acclaimed theater artist explores different languages of men and women

RELEASED: November 8, 2007

DANVILLE, KY—DramaCentre students will perform Still, Going Forward Backward, a visual theater piece by Daniel Stein, Centre visiting guest artist of dramatic arts, from Nov. 13 through Nov. 16. The performance explores how men and women use the same words to speak two different languages. Stein is internationally known for his critically acclaimed performance of his self-created work Timepiece.

"It's a look into how the world might appear if we could see the 'subconscious' element of people, often as couples, communicating with one another," Stein says.

Still, Going Forward Backward requires student actors Landon Berry '10, David Brown '08, Dan Burkey '09 (props crew chief), Cameron Comstock '09, Becca Finney '11, Lauren Marx '08, Alwyn McLeod '11 and Elizabeth Schildkret '08 to make abstract concepts tangible through unique body manipulation.

"Because Daniel wrote the play and directed it in two previous incarnations, he has a very specific idea of how to execute the visual poetry the work demands," Brown says. "The greatest challenge for me has been recreating the physicality to Daniel's specifications while keeping it creatively fresh for myself and then trusting and relaxing into the work."

The intense collaborative involvement Stein has fostered in rehearsal for Still, Going Forward Backward is characteristic of Centre's dramatic arts department. Members from every class participate in recreating Stein's physical masterpiece, experimenting with new ideas and movements along the way.

It's the type of collaborative creativity that is sure to please audiences come opening night.

"It's a fun night at the theater…a great play to bring a date to," Stein says. "Inevitably everyone will see the pieces differently, and the conversations afterwards will be fascinating."

Finney agrees that the play, in many respects, is a kind of gift for the audience.

"We’re seeking to tell the audience’s story,” Finney says, “I think this show will be incredibly enjoyable for the audience because it’s so applicable to our own lives; we are, in fact, expressing practically universal feelings and ideas.”

Still, Going Forward Backward runs approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. each day from Nov. 13 through Nov. 16. Centre students will receive a convocation credit for attendance. Tickets are available through the Norton Center Box Office at 1-877-448-7469.