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Letter from the Director: Edison Theatre leads to discovery

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Jan. 26, 2009 - Whether it's music, theater, dance or some unique mix of the three, each event at the Edison is intended to challenge, educate and inspire. All three intentions play key roles in determining the artists on each new season; however, it's the last that holds the truly transformative power that distinguishes Edison events.

Inspiration has the heart lift in your chest as a dancer takes flight. It has you reach for the hand of the one next to you as a musical phrase fills every corner of the room. It's the tear in the eye when you realize the heroine is doomed. It's a call to action, a promise you make to yourself, a desire to know more or be more.

The second half of the OVATIONS season begins in February and offers returning favorites as well as new faces.

Two historic tales of war examine the human yearning for peace against the anxiety of torn allegiances to family, to country and to oneself.

The world-renowned Guthrie Theater and The Acting Company co-produce and tour William Shakespeare's much loved Henry V and also present the world premiere of James Fenimore Cooper's classic espionage novel The Spy.

Best known for his book, The Last of the Mohicans, Cooper receives credit for the first American spy novel with this work. The novel is adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher who also co-wrote the stage adaptation of Tuesdays With Morrie, as well as the Rep's March production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

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Schedule

King Henry V (The Acting Company and The Guthrie Theater) 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13

The Spy (The Acting Company and The Guthrie Theater) 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14

Wonderboy (Joe Goode Performance Group) 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21

Ahn Trio - ovations for young people 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28

Ahn Trio 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28

Diavolo 8 p.m. Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 8pm

Diavolo - ovations for young people - 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28

  • Where: The Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd.
  • Tickets:  Call the Edison Box Office at 314-935-6543 or MetroTix  314-534-1111

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San Francisco choreographer Joe Goode and New York puppeteer Basil Twist follow up with an achingly tender story to touch the heart. With stunning dancers doubling as puppeteers (you just have to see it to appreciate it), the definitions of both dance and puppetry are expanded to tell the story of Wonderboy who is blessed and cursed with the superpower of empathy while trying to understand his own identity and place in the world. Portrayed by a three-foot tall hand-and-rod puppet, the main character is given voice and wings by a collaboration that both defeats gravity and celebrates life.

The Ahn Trio returns to the Edison and brings some new friends along. Celebrated for redefining the art and architecture of chamber music, the Ahns' commitment to innovation has them dissolving the barriers between art forms. From their international travels they have collected a treasure trove of collaborators. Joining them in St. Louis are Australian brothers, The Kin, and Japanese-born percussionist, Taku Hirano. Possessing an enviable combination of talent and style, these gorgeous sisters will awaken a new appreciation for an otherwise aging art form.

Capping off the season is the irrepressible Diavolo. Whether flying, leaping, or spinning, these dancers/acrobats/athletes will have you reconsidering that second dessert, enrolling in the nearest Pilates class and re-evaluating your life insurance. Starting with a distinct physical structure, each Diavolo dance piece defines a movement vocabulary specific to the structure on which it is performed. Add the strength and agility of well-trained dancer/athletes and the result is breath-taking maneuvers and awe-inspiring beauty.

To inspire the whole family, both the Ahn Trio and Diavolo will provide one-hour Saturday morning presentations as part of the Edison's ovations for young people series. Shorter, family-friendly and even more affordable (if that's possible) these performances are the perfect complement to their OVATIONS counterparts to prepare the next generation of arts enthusiasts.

If the performances alone aren't enough to move you to action, consider the wealth of additional activities associated with each event. Dance master classes, workshops and the Edison's Recommended Reading List are all provided to give a deeper understanding of the artists, their artistry, and the message they have to convey.

While committed to entertain, Edison encourages you to join in the discovery of that something more. Uncover an appreciation for a new idea or expand your awareness of a favorite pastime. The richness in life comes from those unexpected turns, the escape from the ordinary. The OVATIONS Series at the Edison Theatre hopes to inspire you to explore new ways of seeing the fresh and the familiar and expect more from the journey.

Charles E. Robin is executive director of the Edison Theatre.