Six Songs From Ellis, State Tour, May 14 – 24

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to present our touring production of SIX SONGS FROM ELLIS to Wyoming communities May 14-25, 2018.

This tour has been made possible by UW Fine Arts Outreach, the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, ThinkWY/WY Humanities Council, and the UW College of Arts and Sciences. The Sheridan performance is also sponsored by the Seidler Family Foundation, Kay Pearson, and Dixie See.

Millions of people came through Ellis Island during the years of comparatively open immigration, 1892 to 1922. This multi-genre work, based on oral histories, identifies commonalities past and present encountered by those taking drastic steps to improve their lives. Immigration and refugee crises are as critical topics now as they were 100 years ago. Unsubstantiated fear and misinformation prompt current policies and actions of bias, beckoning reflection and awareness of who we are and the true diversity of our constitution as a nation. Attitudes toward access, and response to need and crisis, can benefit from stories ― inspiring, cautionary, and human ― of those who helped to build this country. Making the immigrant experience human and individual is at the heart of this work.

Performance Schedule:

• • Monday, May 14 Cheyenne Civic Center, 7:00pm, $10/$5
  • Tuesday, May 15 Sheridan at WYO Theatre; 7:30 (free)
  • Wednesday, May 16 Sheridan at WYO Theatre, Wyoming Girls’ school and other school guests; 10:00 (free)
  • Thursday, May 17 Thermopolis, Hot Springs County High School, 7:00pm (free)
  • Friday, May 18 Casper, Casper College, Scifers Dance Theater, 7:30pm (free)
  • Saturday, May 19 Torrington, Eastern Wyoming Community College Auditorium,
    7:00pm (free)
  • Monday, May 21 Cody, Cody High School, Wynona Thompson Aud.; 7:00pm (free)
  • Tuesday, May 22 Riverton, Robert A. Peck Arts Center/CWC, 7:00pm (free)
  • Wednesday, May 23 Rawlins, Rawlins High School, 7:00pm (free)
  • Thursday, May 24 Rock Springs, WWCC Theater, 7:30pm (free)

Post-show Q&A sessions will be conducted by humanities scholars Patty Kessler (week one) and Dr. Eric Sandeen (week two) following each performance. Theatre and Dance workshops, as well as humanities lectures, will be held in conjunction with performances.

For more information about the production contact Kathy at kirisk@uwyo.edu