IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 11, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine
Office: 724.738.4854
Cell: 724.991.8302
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Attack Theatre brings interactive style to Slippery Rock University

            SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Pittsburgh-based Attack Theatre, one of the top dance companies in the country, will display its exciting moves and interactive performing style when it comes to Slippery Rock University Oct. 15-18. The professional dancers will present three public performances, teach dance classes and conduct open rehearsals during their three-day residency.

            “This is an excellent opportunity for Attack Theatre to see our dancers and for our dancers to interact with the company,” said Jennifer Keller, SRU associate professor of dance. “Attack dancers are masters at interacting with their audience and performing in alternative spaces. These skills are very important for our dancers to see.”

            Attack Theatre co-artistic directors Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope and dancers Jeff Davis, Liz Chang and Ashley Williams will perform at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Pearl K. Stoner Instructional Complex, West Gym and 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday in SRU’s Martha Gault Gallery in the Maltby Center. The performances are free and open to the public.

            Tuesday’s performance will feature selections from the company’s repertoire and a question and answer discussion. 

            Thursday’s performances will feature the award-winning work “Some Assembly Required.” This piece has been performed throughout the U.S. and France in museums, galleries and sculpture gardens. Dancers solicit input from the audience about the works of art on display and incorporate responses into their movement.

            “They design an improvisational structure based on words and descriptions of the art from the audience,” Keller said. “The audience is rewarded with a truly unique glimpse of the company’s blend of dance and theater.”

            Attack Theatre was recognized as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2007 and was chosen as “Best Dance of 2006” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

            “We’ve always admired the quality and professionals of Attack Theatre,” said Nora Ambrosio, SRU dance department chair. “Working with them in this intimate way allows us to be a part of their creative and artistic process.”

            Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives