'Time Capsule' is RDT showcase

Back in 1980, choreographer Charles Moulton came up with "Nine Person Precision Ball Passing," which solidified the man as a pioneer in post-modern dance.

The work, which features nine people passing racquetballs back and fourth in unique patterns and twists, is now a part of the Repertory Dance Theatre's modern-dance history production "Time Capsule."

"We acquired the work in the mid-1980s," said RDT artistic director Linda C. Smith last week. "It is amazing how fast time has passed. When we got it 20 years ago, the work was new."

"Time Capsule" is one of RDT's productions that highlight important works within the 100 years of modern dance. This year, along with the Moulton piece, the company will present Isadora Duncan's "Valse Brilliante," Doris Humphrey's "Soaring," Daniel Nagrin's "Strange Hero," Jose Limon's "There Is a Time," Anna Sokolow's "Lyric Suite," Shapiro & Smith's "Dance for Two Army Blankets" and Laura Dean's "Sky Light."

Another work that Smith is excited about having on the program is Martha Graham's "Panorama," which will be performed by RDT and 22 members of the University of Utah's Performing Dance Company.

"PDC did the work a couple of weeks ago at the U.," said Smith. "And I wanted to get some more performances out of it. So we were able to add it to the 'Time Capsule.'

"The work was created in 1935, and it symbolized the rise of fascism in Germany at the time," said Smith.

Another work Smith is looking forward to having is Yvonne Rainer's "Chair/Pillow," which is done to music of Ike and Tina Turner.

"Many works in 'Time Capsule' we have done before. ... And we're excited to be able to perform some new additions like 'Chair/Pillow,' which is a study of quick and precision movements."

Smith said if given the chance, "Time Capsule" could easily run six or seven hours. "But we can't do that for the audience's sake," she said with a laugh. "But it is a challenge choosing which works to include in the production. We add things and take things out."

RDT's mission has always been to nurture new works and preserve dance heritage, said Smith. "With 'Time Capsule' that's what we are doing.

"In 1980, we did our first time-inspired night of repertory, which examined the early years of modern dance from 1900 to 1950s," she said. "In 2000 we did a production called '100 Years of Modern Dance.' Last year we did 'Time Capsule' and added some backdrop visuals and multimedia to get in touch with younger audiences.

"I like to think of 'Time Capsule' as a moving modern dance museum," said Smith. "And like a museum, we have to make room for new additions and old relics."

If you go ...

What: "Time Capsule," Repertory Dance Theatre

Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South

When: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.

How much: $30

Phone: 355-2787 or 888-451-2787

Web: www.arttix.org

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com