Painters of the 19th century art academies of Europe were fascinated by the landscapes and the people of North Africa and the Middle East, and most especially, the culture and way of life in these lands. With choreography by Samara Adell, MDTC’s Artistic Director for Dance and Special Guest Artist Jehan Kamal, "Beyond the Image" brings some of these painting to life through traditional and interpretive styles of Middle Eastern dance.  Themes explored, as inspired by these paintings of the Orientalist academic genre include life in the harem, a village marketplace in North Africa, and Ancient Egypt.  In addition, the concert includes an adaptation of "The Paradise of Children" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne’s retelling of the myth of Pandora’s box, adapted and directed by Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, is presented in MDTC’s signature style of dance/story theater.  The production includes a pre-show lecture on Orientalist art and a post-show Q&A with the cast.

The program will be presented at the First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ  07042.  Performances are scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 5:00 PM and Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 3:00 PM. The program is presented free of charge, and reservations are strongly recommended.  Reservations can be made online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/4288415, or call 1-800-838-3006. For additional information, visit www.MosaicDanceTheaterCo.org.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.