A Bridgewater State University dance professor is taking to the great outdoors to present her latest piece.
Dr. Jody Weber,who is also the artistic director for contemporary concert dance company Weber Dance, is premiering Her Sylvan Ascent at Somerville’s Union Square Plaza on June 14.
“Her Sylvan Ascent is an evening-length piece that challenges us to look deeply at the imbalances within ourselves, and our world, that are manifesting in our climate crisis,” an announcement about the performance says. “The work draws on imagery from the Women’s March and deep feminine archetypes that ask us to reimagine our power beyond our current materialistic state and look inward.”
Dr. Weber drew inspiration from the book The Hidden Life of Trees. She hopes to encourage people to consider how to create power and longevity through support, mutual care and commitment.
Dr. Weber has both optimism and concern for the future.
“As I worked on this piece, I watched our world travel deeper into crisis with the election of leadership that denies climate science and emboldens corporate behaviors that energize a deadly trajectory for humanity,” she said. “But I also see hope. Hope in the rise of women and the reclaiming of our power. Hope in the voices of the young who are taking a stand against violence.”
Her Sylvan Ascent features Whitney Cover, Lizbie Harbison, Shannon Humphreys, Caitlin Klinger, Jennifer Roberts and BSU part-time faculty member Kristy Kuhn. It will be presented in collaboration with the Somerville Arts Council outdoors at 8:30 p.m. June 14.
“I am excited about the prospect of putting art out in this setting and generating a dialogue amongst a diverse audience,” Dr. Weber said.
The rain date is 8:30 p.m. June 15. Standing room is free and open to the public. Tickets for limited seating can be purchased in advance online at Weber Dance’s website.