Cheryl Thornburg
Sun News
Las Cruces has just entered a new dimension
in live theatre. "Tangled Journey," which opens today at the
Black Box Theatre, is unlike anything local theatregoers have
experiences. It is an intimate look at one woman's life that
incorporates dance and drama in one complex package.
Debra Knapp leads the audience on an emotional
journey in her search for peace and happiness. This is not a
life viewed from afar, however. It is eavesdropping on the most
personal moments of her life as she struggles with relationships,
alcohol, and her own self doubt.
As the show opens, Knapp enters her apartment
strewn with clothing, books and miscellant. From the onset,
Knapp proves that she is an accomplished actress as well as
dancer. As she wanders the apartment, we watch as she exhibits
a lot of behavior that is not what most people would do in public
- like scratching and picking her teeth. Despite the incredible
intimacy of the Black Box setting, Knapp never breaks character.
As she turns on her boom box, the music
takes over and she virtually explodes into the first dance sequence.
Her moves are integrated into the storyline and Knapp, who also
choreographed "Tangled Journey," successfully weaves dance and
drama into a compelling theatre experience.
Knapp has incorporated diverse music including
Santana, Glenn Miller, Bonnie Raitt, and Tracy Chapman, which
reflexts the tone of various segments. Audiences will recognize
"The Calling," by Santana, "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller
and "She's Got a Ticket," by Tracy Chapman.
It is not only music that will strike familiar
chords with the audience, for the emotional ups and downs of
the character are universal. Knapp touches on many emotions
- joy, despair, anger - and delivers them body and soul in this
performance. Her performance produced both laughter and sorrow
at a recent dress rehearsal.
This is the first production of "Tangled
Journey" in the United States. It premiered in Dresden, Germany,
in 1994. Knapp also choreographed No Strings Theatre Company's
recent production of "Saturday Soliloquies."
Knapp has an impressive background. She
is currently assistant professor of dance and director of the
dance program at New Mexico State University. She has been on
the faculty at Butler University, Indiana University, and University
of New Mexico. She was the artistic director and choreographer
from 1977-1984 for the Indiana based modern dance company, Windfall
Dancers.
She then joined the Bill Evans Dance Company
based in Albuqueque, was guest performer with the Nora Reynolds
Dance Company, and presented her choreography in the Danzantes
Dance Company. From 1991-1994 she lived in Germany, where she
was the modern dance trainer, rehearsal director, choreographer,
and performer for the Semperoper Ballett in Dresden and on the
dance faculty teaching and choreographing for the Palucca School
Academy of Dance.
She has been an Artist-in-Education since
1977 using movement activities to enhance the curriculum for
the kinesthetic learner. She is a dance/movement specialist
for Young Audiences of Indiana and the Arkansas Arts-in-Education
program. She was dance chairperson for the development of dance
proficiency for the Indiana Department of Education.
This No Strings Theatre show is produced
by Ceil Herman with lighting design by Peter Herman.
"Tangled Journey" performances are today
and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N Downtown
Mall, Las Cruces. Ticket prices are $7 regular, $6 students
and seniors over 65. This dance theatre production is over one
hour long.
The seating capacity is under 100, and with
a limited engagement show like this one, reservations are suggested.
For reservations call (505)-523-1223.
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