ROWAN PREMIERES "SWAN"

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- In a season featuring several re-imagined classics, the Department of Theatre & Dance at Rowan University next presents the World Premiere of choreographer Paule Turner's original piece, The Swan. Performances are November 21, 22 & 23 at 8 pm and November 24 at 2 pm in Pfleeger Concert Hall on the university's Glassboro campus.
Conceived, directed and choreographed by Turner, this production explores the iconic dance image of the swan. The performers are members of Dance Extensions, Rowan's contemporary dance company, and the piece is set to an innovative score rooted in the classical realm, yet honoring the contemporary. Turner, taking inspiration from the infamous ballet Swan Lake, aims to reveals the audacious nature of the beast that has to protect such delicate beauty.

"Our swan is a little truer to the nature of a real swan," Turner says. "She is elegant but fierce."

While it features full-on dancing with visually, musically and rhythmically diverse elements, the work encompasses a number of deeper ideas and references. These range from examining varied representations of the swan in ballet and other stories to age-old questions about living in or between opposing worlds.

"There is no message, but we raise questions because I don't have the answers," Turner notes, "Such as How do we deal with differences in our societies?' and 'Can two different worlds exist?'"

Turner has been a visible and active member of the Philadelphia dance community and was named one of the "Top 25 to Watch" by Dance Magazine in 2000. He has made a career creating "dance dramas" that are at once entertaining, meaningful, compelling and humorous while confronting social and political issues. He has received grants and fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and The Pew Charitable Trusts and has toured internationally with his own ensemble, c o u r t. He is an Assistant Professor at Rowan where he serves as Advisor and Artistic Director of Dance Extensions.


Pfleeger Concert Hall is located in Wilson Hall on the campus of Rowan University, Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ. Tickets are $15, general admission; and $10 for seniors/non-Rowan students/alumni. Rowan students and staff are admitted free with valid ID. For tickets and information, visit rowan.tix.com or call the box office at (856) 256-4545.