FOR YOU, I DREAM OF ME

“For you, I dream of me” explores through contemporary dance theater the themes of love, sacrifice, and violence depicted in fairy tales, lore and myth from various cultures and traditions around the world as it affects female characters and society’s understanding of the feminine experience.

Fairy tales are stories that describe a society’s cultural morals. These morals become the lens through which society defines its boundaries and biases. The plight of women, particularly queer, BIPOC, and otherwise disenfranchised women, historically become cautionary tales in these stories. By exploring both classic and contemporary texts through movement, “For you, I dream of me” conveys more expansive, complex and nuanced depictions of character, conflict, and resolution that highlights and challenges accepted cultural biases.

In collaboration with her cast of dancers, choreographer Kristin Wagner re-tells tales ranging from “The Little Mermaid” to Eve and the Garden of Eden, with contemporary stories from Carmen Maria Machado’s “Her Body and Other Parties” sprinkled throughout. This production is the first presentation of the work, meant to be viewed as an in-progress sharing with further project development expected beginning mid-2024.

“For you, I dream of me” features original composition by Benjamin Cuba, with dance performances by Gabriela M. Amy-Moreno, Bri Antanya, Aliza Franz, Nikki Gagliano, Claire Lane, Leah Misano, Nora Paul, Carmen S. Rizzo, and Cassie Wang. The production is recommended for ages 14+; mature themes of violence and sexuality are explored. Viewer discretion is advised.

This project is made possible by the JMAC Worcester’s Project Sponsorship grant program, administered in collaboration with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and funded by the Barr Foundation. Additional project support provided by the Worcester Arts Council, the Wilmington Cultural Council, développé Dance Studio, Free Form Dance Academy, Wilmington Dance Academy, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

For more information contact Kristin Wagner, kristincooperwagner@gmail.com, or to (http://www.bodiesmoving.com/)