OWU dance/theatre showcase

Local dancer to perform in OWU production

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
April 12, 2008

NEWARK -- Newark native and Ohio Wesleyan University freshman Rachel Brumfield, 18, has gone from aspiring high school drama buff to dedicated theater and dance student, juggling a hectic class and social schedule, in just 10 months.

Now, after wetting her feet in a few of the school's productions, she'll appear in the university's dance and theater showcase, a pairing of their annual spring dance show "Orchesis" and an Ohio premiere of the musical "The Photographer," which opened Friday.

"It's been great, I've had a lot of fun," said Brumfield, who has had to manage class and a rigorous three month rehearsal schedule. "I've gotten to know a lot of people and the choreographer of our dance is a senior, so it's been great to be able to learn from her."

This year's "Orchesis," completely choreographed and performed by students, will present a six-piece set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach. Taking the stage immediately afterward, "The Photographer" will offer a musical look into the life of famous photographer Eadweard Muybridge, whose work contributed to the creation of motion pictures.

"The students choreographing for this year's production have created fascinating, abstract dances that mirror the complex and often playful structures found in Bach's music," said Tim Veach, "Orchesis'" artistic director and a part-time university dance professor, in a press release. "That (Orchesis 2008) is partnered with another visually intriguing work, 'The Photographer,' is an added bonus for our audience."

Brumfield, a Newark High School grad, arrived on Ohio Wesleyan's campus in the fall, immediately joining the theatre and dance department. The former high school drama club president gained early experience by participating in a host of productions, including dancing in two pieces during annual dance showcase, TerpsiCorps.