Eveoke Dance Theatre mounts “Las Mariposas,” a captivating dance work based on Julia Alvarez’s 1994 novel, “In the Time of the Butterflies,” starting Sept. 8 at the Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse. Co-created by Eveoke artistic director Erika Malone and resident choreographer Erica Aisha Moore, “Las Mariposas” premiered at 10th Avenue Theatre late last year. Eveoke Dance Theatre holds a residency in the La Jolla Playhouse’s Resident Theatre Program, spearheaded by artistic director Christopher Ashley, who said, “The Resident Theatre Program has become an integral part of the Playhouse’s programming, and we are ecstatic about its success over the last three seasons. We are especially excited to have Eveoke — our first dance organization — as the resident company, broadening the spectrum of artistic offerings at the Playhouse. This innovative troupe brings a fresh vision to each of their projects, with strong ties to the community through their numerous education and outreach programs.” The residency program encourages artistic development of up-and-coming performing arts organizations and provides a temporary home each year to one of the many local troupes that lack permanent venues. Previous resident theatre appointees include Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company, Moxie Theatre and San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre. “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies) tells the true story of three sisters who were brutally murdered in November 1960 for their participation in the resistance movement against Rafael Trujillo, then-dictator of the Dominican Republic. A fourth sister, Déde Mirabal, survived, and in her own autobiographical work told the story upon which Alvarez based her best-selling novel. Eveoke’s “Las Mariposas” begins as Déde introduces her three vivid and individualistic sisters, Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa. As the narrative unfolds, each of the adult women is juxtaposed by a youthful self, embodied by four younger dancers. Other dancers represent townspeople, Trujillo, figures of magical realism, and assassins. A character named Butterfly embodies women’s dedication and sacrifice in time of political upheaval. “Las Mariposas” utilizes magical realism, modern dance and text from the novel. “I’ve seen many adaptations of my novel,” said Alvarez, “but the Eveoke performance has been the adaptation that most moved me.” Alvarez praised Eveoke’s creativity and commitment to human rights and its dedication to educating the community through conversations with the audience. Post-show discussions with dancers, the creative team and community partners take place Saturday evenings. “In our world today, we are called to become global citizens; we have shared responsibilities if we are to create a world that is based on social justice for all,” said executive director Nikki Dunnan. From its inception in 1994, Eveoke Dance Theatre has been dedicated to women and women’s works. One need only recall its stunning 2006 dance theatre work “Soul of a Young Girl: Dances of Anne Frank.” In November, the U.S. Embassy will sponsor an Eveoke Dance Theatre tour of “Las Mariposas” to Santo Domingo and Santiago in the Dominican Republic. “We are very excited and honored at the idea of bringing a story back to its geographical and historical roots,” Dunnan said. “We hope to take the piece to the small village where the Mirabal sisters lived, and where Déde still lives today.” “Las Mariposas” plays at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 25 at the Shank Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, $25 ($20 student/senior). For tickets or more information, visit www.eveoke.org or call (619) 238-1153.
