Another piece will explore the themes of war-as-game and "what happens when you don't have revolution — how controlled you can be," Selcouth says. A group spectacle at the end will speak to what happens when the downtrodden rise up in triumphant revolution.
Both producers praise the ability of Portland performers not only to execute beautiful movement but to tell good stories while doing so. One of Nilsen's future goals is to "reward the scene" by bringing nationally renowned acts here — "to take Portland to the next level in terms of burlesque."
"I think that Portland is blessed with an abundance of really talented belly-dancers and burlesque performers, specifically," Nilsen says.
And while Portland audiences benefit from this wealth, so too do those on stage. The ability to dance, Nilsen says, and to be surrounded by talented performers, "is the biggest thing that pulled me through" those days and nights two years ago. Revolution!, and its message, might pull us through a few more.
Deirdre Fulton can be reached at dfulton@phx.com.
REVOLUTION! A PERFORMANCE UPRISING | August 13-14 at 8 pm | at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland | $12 adults; $10 students/seniors | tickets available at stlawrencearts.org or at Longfellow Books, One Monument Way | 207.775.5568
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