Par.Mar Dance Theatre Unveils New Works by Latin Choreographers in Spring Series
The Chicago-based contemporary ballet company PARA.MAR Dance Theatre returns to Epiphany Center for the Arts (201 S. Ashland) this May for their fourth annual Spring Season Series, MONOLITH. The program features world premieres choreographed by Cuban-born Beatriz García Diáz, Puerto Rican-born Xavier Nuñez and Bryan Arias and PARA.MAR’s founder and artistic director Stephanie Martinez.
“MONOLITH dispels the myths and truths of ‘monolithic’ cultures through the Latin lens by tapping into the vast, rich, unique, and complex individuality of several of today’s most sought after Latin choreographic voices,” says Martinez. “Our hope is that ‘MONOLITH’ offers a window into what it means to be Latin – with the intention of creating deeper connections and context within our understanding of the diversity that exists within ‘monolithic’ cultures.
PARA.MAR Dance Theatre’s MONOLITH performances will take place in the cathedral of the renovated Epiphany Hall, which has been preserved and adapted into an iconic cultural hub. Here, one large stage will be installed within the venue with seating placed in the round, but guests will be invited to roam about to experience the performance from alternative vantage points.
PARA.MAR Dance Theatre was founded in 2020 and is directed by award-winning choreographer, Stephanie Martinez.
Meaning “together, with, and for,” the Spanish word “PARA” represents the vision, purpose, and commitment to celebrating identity and creating community through contemporary ballet. Together, with the belief that inclusion leads to innovation, and that dance is an essential mode of human expression, PARA.MAR’s mission is to empower and elevate diverse voices in contemporary ballet by providing performances and programming rooted in artistic excellence, radical accessibility, and reflective of the unique identities of the communities it serves.
Performances take place at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 25 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25.
The company maintains a commitment to “radical access to art” by continuing to offer pay-what-you-can ticketing. For tickets and more information, visit: paramardance.com/monolith.
