Byron Woods

There were close, poignant character studies and moving restagings of George Balanchine’s work; imaginative new choreography enhanced by equally imaginative set and costume design; and don’t forget the glitz. Carolina Ballet closed its 2001-2002 season with a four-work manifesto that effectively summarized key strengths that have become company trademarks in its time. Who Cares?, Balanchine’s […]

It was imaginative, witty, musical and chockablock with knowing pop culture references. It was easily the most entertaining show I saw week before last. It was Jack and the Beanstalk, by Deduction Productions. Though the company’s been performing at regional schools for three years now, Jack was only the second production for public audiences. By […]

Yes, students of the dance get a lot of information from national gatherings like the American College Dance Festival. There’s feedback–and the possibility of recognition and reward–for their works. Beyond that, though, such a festival provides a real-time demonstration in what constitutes the state of the art. By its acts, it says a lot about […]

When Manbites Dog Theater asks for help, people tend to respond. First they asked actor and director Jay O’Berski of Shakespeare & Originals to organize this year’s benefit production, The Only Time I’ll Tell It, for the noted independent regional theater. Then O’Berski asked a group of local writers for permission to adapt their words […]

“I do have something of a background.” Lissa Brennan, regional live arts writer, actor with Shakespeare & Originals, and founder of a performing group called Dog and Pony Show, is talking about her career. In burlesque. “I had a modern dance background,” she says, and quickly adds, “a legit modern dance background. And then, as […]

I can almost see the docent now, in some hypothetical museum of art, as one looks for direction in a new exhibition of works by Carolina Ballet: “Bourtasenkov? With O’Keeffe and Maxfield Parrish, down the hall to your right.” “Walters?” She stiffens, slightly, gazing at the inquisitor. Glacially, one eyebrow lifts. “With the Surrealists.” Then, […]

Another week, another silent bargain. Duke Drama’s spring theater festival had filled the month of April in the 1990s with significant new works by students, faculty and impressive guests like Romulus Linney and Tina Landau. The 1999 edition featured 10 plays in five productions, including Dakota Powell’s memorable Bliss Moon and José Rivera’s References to […]

The world being what it is, one must make the case for a hallelujah. The events of Sept. 11 and the subsequent permanent war on terrorism, the bloody downward spiral of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and recent revelations concerning sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church: Each has prompted worldwide grief. Together, they might characterize a time […]