Adam Phillips, Kira Daniel and Samantha Pille perform as the Polgar family. Courtesy of Suki John.
Join the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance for the preview screening of “Sh’ma,” a new dance film by Professor Suki John. The screening is part of the College of Fine Arts presentations for Research and Creativity Week to celebrate TCU’s 150th anniversary.
The film will premiere at the Brown Lupton University Union Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A panel discussion will take place after the film with members of the cast and crew.
The film features a cast of 15 extraordinary performers. Courtesy of Suki John
Over the last 30 years, John has developed “The Sh’ma Project: Move Against Hate,” a body of work that includes “Sh’ma,” a choreodrama documenting her family’s traumatic experience and survival of the Holocaust. The piece is from the perspective of Veronka Polgar, the mother of John.
“The film is about a difficult time in history, collectively and individually,” explains John. “It is the story not only of my family but of people from all over the world who have been targeted for where they come from, what they believe or who they are.
The film features a cast of 15 extraordinary performers and includes professionals from Dance Theatre of Harlem and Texas Ballet Theatre, celebrated local artists, TCU alumni and students.
“The film has a strong message of hope and resilience that I believe will resonate for many people, whatever their background,” John said. “I hope attendees will begin to see how dance, film and music have the power to make us think, feel and view the world in different ways.”
John is preparing for the official world premiere on Oct. 19 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City. TCU faculty member Keith Saunders and alumna Kira Rai Daniel will be part of the post screening panel.
Free admission.