By Charlene Baldridge | SDUN Arts Writer
From the time of its 1994 founding by Gina Angelique and Christopher Hall, Eveoke Dance Theatre enjoyed halcyon days downtown, at one time or another operating a dance studio and a theater.
They started with a company of eight dancers at the former Ratner Building and over the years produced indelibly stunning dance/theater works as “The Soul of a Young Girl, Dances of Anne Frank,” “Soulos…Silver” and “Wireless City” (with Palomar College) and “Fishtales” at such locations as Sushi Visual and Performance Art, St. Cecilia’s Chapel, the Broadway Pier, and San Diego Repertory Theatre. When St. Cecilia’s was shuttered, it appeared that Eveoke would become one of the resident organizations at 10th Avenue Theatre. For numerous reasons, that include the redevelopment of that space and departure of Eveoke’s founders, who moved to Northern California, this did not happen.
In 2007 Eveoke moved to North Park, with studios at 2811-A University Ave. Nikki Dunnan is executive director and Erika Malone, artistic director. In addition to numerous studio performances, educational outreach, youth training programs in school and studio, and a professional training program, Eveoke administers the annual Celebrate Dance Festival in Balboa Park.
The news is good for Eveoke aficionados and new friends. Nov. 26 through Dec. 19 at 10th Avenue Theatre, the company presents a large-scale work titled “Mariposas,” inspired by Julia Alvarez’s novel, “In the Time of the Butterflies.” The work, co-created by Malone and resident choreographer Ericka Aisha Moore, is the first to be produced since Malone became artistic director in April.
The novel, and hence the dance, tell the story of three Dominican Republic sisters who were brutally murdered 50 years ago because of their resistance to the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. A fourth sister, Dedé Mirabal, survives to tell the story, becoming the universal storyteller for the violence and oppression of women who live under dictatorial regimes in numerous countries.
Such a theme fits well with Eveoke’s dedication to telling women’s stories and being an advocate for change. They believe that “Mariposas” is a reminder of humankind’s collective responsibility to listen to the stories of previous generations in order to create a more just world for everyone.
Performers include longtime company dancers Dunnan, Malone, Becky Hurt and Charlene Penner. The company of 17 also includes Araceli Carrera, Jessica Rabanzo-Flores, Diondra Eubanks, Molly Terbovich-Ridenhour, Rayna Stohl, Piper Dye, Rachel Stone, Lara Haiane, Anabel Roca, Lily Haine, Bruce Walker, Shayna Cribbs, and Kassy Santana.
“Las Mariposas” plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the 10th Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Avenue (near Broadway), downtown. Reserved seating is $20-$15. All walk-up tickets are pay-what-you-can. For more information, go to www.eveoke.org or call (619) 238-1153.
