Störling Dance Theater’s, Mona Störling-Enna can’t shake her Nordic roots. Whether tribal inspiration harkening to Viking villages or the pristine vocals of Norway’s Gjeilo, the influence of her Finnish history and culture resonate through the upcoming performances of Suspended Grace. “There is a starkness to Nordic culture. A quietness created by nature and the soberness of the people. It continually informs my work. I think it’s appealing as well in this hurried, over busy life. We need time and space to think, grow, learn.”
In Act 2, Suspended Grace, Störling-Enna takes on the Biblical story from the Book of John where an adulteress is brought before Jesus for condemnation. This story and Jesus’ response have been one of the foundations of western culture. A simple reading did not do it justice for Störling-Enna. She wanted to see it brought to life and explore all the corners. “The Pharisees of the Bible areeasy to despise. Having studied the Bible for so long, I realize that the messages from Jesus to the Pharisees are often the messages for me. And it was, as usual, brought to life by the most incredible dancers in Störling Dance Theater. It’s amazing how they can tell a complex story and never utter a word. It’s an honor to work together.”
Act 1 feature’s Laura Morton’s, (In)bodied Beat having fun with bodies as instruments in orchestral display. One of the highlight’s of Störling’s annual season is their involvement in New Dance Partners. This past year, the company was fortunate to work with Canadian Hélène Simoneau. Her piece entitled, Near Enemies, exploring the ups and downs, ins and outs of relationships. Then a premiere will be Mona Störling-Enna’s Pursuit set to Ola Gjeilo’s The Bridge giving the audience a taste of the vibe of the frozen landscape.
More information and tickets at: follytheater.org/event/suspended-grace/
