Time: 7:00pm
Location: The Loft Literary Center, at Open Book (Performance Hall), 1011 Washington Ave
Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater (SPDT) is an internationally-recognized performance company that has continued to attract critical acclaim for its "theater of the heart and mind." For more than thirty-six years, SPDT has created work often inspired by literary sources from the classical to the contemporary.
SPDT has garnered attention for its compelling and poignant performance work, and commitment to education and community inclusive programs. The company’s programs give voice to those populations who typically do not have an opportunity to see their lives as the focal point for arts exploration. SPDT has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts for “Best Practices” in the field of Arts and Healthcare and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a “national model” for community programs and ability to be inclusive of a wide range of cultural groups.
Selected by CityPages as Twin Cities “Artist of the Year” in 2004, Stuart Pimsler is celebrating thirty-five years as Artistic Co–Director of SPDT. His work has been honored with Choreography Fellowships from the McKnight Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts as well as a Major Fellowship and six Individual Fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council. Mr. Pimsler has been commissioned by the Guthrie Theater, the Lila Wallace Arts Partners Fund, National Performance Network Creation Fund, the Jerome Foundation, the Wexner Center, University of Minnesota, and the Walker Art Center, among others. Mr. Pimsler's first children's play, My Grandmother's Tsotchkes: Tales of a Gambling Grandmother had its national premiere in March 2010 at SteppingStone Theatre, Saint Paul. He and his partner, Suzanne Costello, are currently in the process of writing a book about SPDT's innovative and longstanding work in the field of arts & healthcare.
Minneapolis-based choreographer, writer and director Stuart Pimsler will offer a preview of his newest solo work "At it Again." Directed by Suzanne Costello, "At it Again" is a homage to American author Philip Roth whom Pimsler has admired throughout his career. Pimsler is completing a fan letter to Roth and, through this theatrical device, has a conversation with the renowned author. In trying to understand his attraction, Pimsler uncovers certain personal connections to Roth while commenting on the author's own controversial history.
This performance will be followed by a discussion with Stuart Pimsler and Suzanne Costello about how the literary arts have had a lifelong influence on their work.
Suzanne Costello joined Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater in New York City in 1979 and became its Artistic Co-Director in 1984. During her career with the company, she has been highlighted as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and rehearsal director. As Director of Arts & Education and Arts & Healthcare Programs for the company, she coordinates and facilitates the many community-inclusive projects SPDT has come to be known for nationally and internationally.
Ms. Costello's choreographic work has been honored with three Individual Artist Fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council and has been commissioned by national dance companies and individual artists. She directed and choreographed Cats for Broadway at Iroquois, Louisville; Go, Dog, Go! for Metro Theater Company, St. Louis, and Stage One, Louisville; and choreographed Grimm Tales for Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis. She has twice been a Cowles Guest Artist as well as Affiliate Faculty for six years at the University of Minnesota. She has also been a guest artist at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad.
A $5-$10 suggested admission fee is associated with this event.
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