Events Calendar

International Writing Program / Department of Dance: Eyes Closed Eyes Open

As we strive toward ideals of justice and equity, diversity, and radical inclusion, we find ourselves in a precarious moment, pulled simultaneously by hope and trepidation, seeking possibility while recognizing the threats that stand in our way. This duality is reflected in the prompt given to writers and dance-makers for their collaboration: when I close my eyes, I see the future / when I see the future, I close my eyes.

As a contribution to this Art and Social Justice series, the longstanding collaboration between the International Writing Program and the UI Department of Dance will result in a virtual concert of works. Brief moments of live commentary and audience talk-back will frame the virtual viewing of these premieres. The performance prompt was inspired by the title of an exhibition featuring the Egyptian artist Heba Y. Amin’s multimedia work.

Six premieres accompanied by conversation and Q&A moderated by project Artistic Director, Jennifer Kayle, and commentary by program heads Christopher Merrill (IWP) and Rebekah Kowal (Dept. of Dance); original works by faculty, graduate students, and international authors: Jennifer Kayle (artistic director), Haifa Abu Al-Nadi, Eloy Barragán, Manuel Becerra, Justin Comer, Marlene Coronel, Mohammad Darweesh, Laila Franklin, Liat Graf, Emmalee Hallinan, John Humston, Mariko Ishikawa, Donika Kelly, Michael Landez, Abdalmuti Maqboul, Melinda Jean Myers, Tony Orrico, José Ortiz, Katie Phelan, Madhu Raghavendra, Juliet Remmers, Ramin Roshandel, Pamela Rahn Sanchez, Wana Udobang and Will Yager.

Streamed live on Zoom at https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/97742059588 and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/UIOWACLAS

This event is part of the series "Art and the Pursuit of Social Justice" sponsored by Iowa Arts. You can view all of the events in the series here: https://events.uiowa.edu/40058