Hartford, CT – The popular sayings, “what’s old is new” and “good things come to those who wait” are certainly proving true for Connecticut residents this weekend when the Sonia Plumb Dance Company (SPDC) raises the curtains at the Theater of the Performing Arts auditorium to perform “Penelope’s Odyssey.” Check out a sneak peek of what audiences will experience here.
The highly anticipated, in-person production was set to premiere last October but was forced to “take five” due to the pandemic. Now, with the perseverance of SPDC Founder and Artistic Director Sonia Plumb and the generous support of dance aficionados across the state, the critically acclaimed contemporary dance company is excited to announce that the show must go on, especially as it portrays a powerful story of survival in today’s challenged world.
“Surely, the performing arts sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, but during this time of isolation, we never lost sight of our underlying mission to connect humanity through dance,” said Plumb, who choreographed the entire production. “Our organization has always reached beyond the arts community with a diverse repertoire that often reflects upon larger societal issues and this performance is no different.”
Specifically, Plumb notes that during this historic moment of women’s voices and growth, “Penelope’s Odyssey” tells the story of Penelope and the women in the classic epic poem “Homer’s The Odyssey.” In this contemporary interpretation, the dancers focus on gender roles and societal norms as seen through the lens of time by weaving in topics of romance, betrayal, single motherhood, arranged marriage, war and perseverance. Simply stated, it’s a story of a woman taking control of her life in a man’s world.
“Life is truly imitating art and history is indeed repeating itself with the profound themes prevalent in this performance,” adds Plumb. “The audience take-away? Women’s voices, men listening, equilibrium.”
Tickets to “Penelope’s Odyssey” are $45 general admission; $40 seniors, active military and Veterans; $25 students, as well as purchased at the event.
The performance schedule is: Friday, November 5 at 8pm and Saturday, November, 6 at 7:30pm. All performances will be held at the Theater of the Performing Arts, Main Stage, 359 Washington Street, Hartford. Due to COVID restrictions and social distancing requirements, only 300 seats will be sold at each performance. To ensure the safety of its performers and staff, audiences will be required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID PCR tests and masks are required.
Presenting sponsors include the CT Humanities Council, the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Edward C and Ann T Roberts Foundation and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development – Office of the Arts. Corporate and individual sponsorships range from $500 to $10,000 and are available by calling direct at 860.214.0284 or by emailing development@soniaplumbdance.org.
As a non-profit, performing arts organization, SPDC relies upon the generous donations of the community to help sustain it. Donations can be made by visiting https://soniaplumbdance.org/support/.
“Whether you’re a dance lover or a community member simply seeking a stimulating, social experience out of the house, Penelope’s Odyssey will be the must-attend fall event of the season!” concludes Plumb.
