Karen Stokes Dance Premieres Mapping & Glaciers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 202
CONTACT: Toni Valle
Phone:  713-409-2838
Email:  toni@karenstokesdance.org

Karen Stokes Dance premieres Mapping & Glaciers
Midtown Arts Theater Center Houston

HOUSTON, TX: Karen Stokes Dance premieres the evening length project “Mapping & Glaciers” September 17-25, 2022, at the Midtown Arts Theatre Complex Houston (MATCH). “Mapping & Glaciers,” reflects on changing landscapes, both metaphorical and real. With choreography/film/direction by Karen Stokes and original music by Samuel Lipman, the performance merges film, dance, and music to explore human concepts of territory and connection in a world of melting glaciers.

In “Mapping & Glaciers,” Karen Stokes explores human interaction and nature through the vast, contradictory, and beautiful nature of maps. The project examines boundaries that challenge humans through tribalism and constructs of power, and the shifting shape of geological maps under the influence of climate change. While the work questions the often-tragic absurdity of human choices, it also speaks to the resiliency of human nature. “Mapping & Glaciers” creates space for hope, for the possibility of human solutions through connection and interconnection.

Karen Stokes has been creating dance theater since her student days at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (KHSPVA) in Houston. She is grateful for the recognition she has received from reviewers, colleagues, and audience members, as well as through awards, grants, and donors, over the last 40+ years. Connection with dancers, artists, and audience members remains central to her practice, continuing to inform her belief that art is a bridge over differences. Stokes has her BFA in dance from Ohio State University, her MFA in choreography from UCLA, and has been Director of Dance at the University of Houston since 1998.  She has choreographed over 50 repertory works, 12 evening length projects, 5 large-scale site-specific works, and multiple “dance for camera” projects. Stokes lives in Houston with her husband and 3 cats.

Sam Lipman is an award-winning multi-media composer in the Austin area, where he teaches Film Scoring and Electronic Music at the University of Texas. Most recently Lipman composed and orchestrated score for Terence Malick’s Way Of The

Wind featuring the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, co-scored Richard Linklater/Cate Blanchett’s Where’d You Go Bernadette, and composed the all-electronic score for Ramona Diaz’ Sundance-Acclaimed documentary A Thousand Cuts featuring George and Amal Clooney. His score for 2017 documentary Southwest Of Salem shortlisted for an Oscar© for Best Original Song In A Movie, and his work on theatrical play Matawan won the 2019 Austin Critics Table Award. He has composed works for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, recorded with Justin Timberlake, and composed several theater scores for UT Theater & Dance Department, where he held the Composer-In-Residence position for two years. Sam’s classical works are performed internationally, most recently in NYC’s Carnegie Hall. Lipman is most passionate about the power of storytelling in music, and grateful for the opportunity to work and teach in his chosen field.

The Karen Stokes Dance production team includes Lighting Designer and Visual Media Consultant Clint Allen and Costume Designer Ashley Horn Nott. KSD cast members: Brittany Bass, Bethany Logan, Bryan Bradley Peck, Michelle Reyes, and Davis Stumberg.

“Mapping & Glaciers” will be performed in Two Acts for an intimate audience size.  Audience members are encouraged to get tickets in advance due to limited seating.

Karen Stokes Dance presents “Mapping & Glaciers” September 17-19, and 22-24, 2022 at 7:30pm and September 25, 2022, at 2:00pm at Midtown Arts Theater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400 Main St., Houston, Texas 77002. Tickets may be purchased at the MATCH box office at https://matchouston.org/presenter/karenstokesdance, 713-5214533 or in person 2:00pm – 5:00pm Wednesday–Friday. For more information, visit www.karenstokesdance or contact Company Manager Toni Valle at 713-409-2838 or toni@karenstokesdance.org.

FACT SHEET:

Who: Karen Stokes Dance
What: “Mapping & Glaciers”
When:  September 17- 19, 2022: 7:30pm
September 22-25, 2022: 7:30pm
September 25, 2022: 2:00 pm
Where: Midtown Arts Theater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400 Main St. Houston, 77002
Tickets:  https://matchouston.org/presenter/karen-stokes-dance
Or 2-5pm Wednesday – Friday: 713-521-4533
Information: www.karenstokesdance or contact Company Manager Toni Valle: 713-409-2838 or toni@karenstokesdance.org

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