Nebraska Native Brings Original Dance Work 'loopdiver' to the Lied Center

Nebraska native Mark Coniglio and choreographer Dawn Stoppiello, founders of dance company Troika Ranch, collaborate in a stunning, media-enhanced work that will debut at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Johnny Carson Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 as part of the 20th anniversary season of the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

This world premiere of "loopdiver" is the culmination of a two-year process involving internationally renowned artists creating an original piece for the Lied Center and many other partners in the Lincoln community.

The New York Times hails Coniglio and Stoppiello "interactive performance pioneers." Established in 1994, and based in New York City and Berlin, Troika Ranch is a dance company that produces live performances, interactive installations, and digital films, all of which combine traditional aspects of these forms with advanced technologies.

Commissioned by the Lied Center, "loopdiver" is a live, avant-garde multimedia dance work for six performers and media. Built from completely interwoven loops, text, music and interactive visuals, "loopdiver" explores the challenges and courage it takes to break out of the loops we encounter in life. Whether responding to a tangible act of hostility or a subtler, psychological assault, we must struggle to regain a sustainable equilibrium as the violence resonates within us.

As part of a two-year residency with the Lied Center, Troika Ranch has held a number of outreach and education activities in Lincoln. The company has also partnered with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital to provide rehabilitation and therapy activities using software designed by Coniglio for the performance.

As part of the tour, the company will hold a "troika" (trio) of events on the three weekends prior to the performance debut. During week one, guests are invited to join Troika for "First Friday" at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Parrish Studios, 1410 O St. Week two will present a "Meet the Artist" event and screening of an NET-produced documentary about Troika's residency at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center at 7 p.m. Oct. 8. Week three includes the public performances of "Loop Diver."

Tickets for this performance are $30. University of Nebraska-Lincoln students with a valid ID, as well as youths age 18 or younger, may purchase tickets for half price. Call the Lied Ticket Office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231 for ticket availability. Regular ticket office hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.liedcenter.org. Buyers can also save up to 20 percent by purchasing this event as part of a season ticket package.

New this year, Lied patrons will be able to reserve parking spaces at the Que Place Garage on 11th and Q streets through the city parking Web site at www.lincoln.ne.gov. Reserved spots will cost $4 if ordered online. In addition, patrons can request valet parking online for $7, or $8 on the day of the event. A link to reserve your parking can be found on the Lied Center Web site.

As part of the Lied Center's ongoing education programming, a post-performance talk will take place on the main stage immediately following the show, during which the audience can ask questions and interact with the cast members and production staff. The Lied Center is located on the UNL City Campus at 301 N. 12th St.

This performance is made possible in part by support from Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

For more information about Troika Ranch Dance Co., visit www.troikaranch.org.

Comments

[Molly Nance]

Troika Ranch is giving a free preview of Loop Diver at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. Open to the public! www.Madonnna.org