The exclusive West Coast premiere of Colleen Thomas’ light and desire, a Bessie-nominated dance production centered on how women artists cope under oppressive power structures, opens at Loyola Marymount University as part of the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts’ Lydia Hao Emerging Artists Series on Friday, Sept. 1, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 3.

Conceived and directed by Thomas, light and desire is a 55-minute multimedia project that uses movement, text, theatrical masks, and film to tell and uplift the narratives of women who have resisted oppression by creating their own forms of radical expression. Thomas, a Barnard Columbia professor, will perform alongside an international feminist cast that includes Rosalynde LeBlanc Loo, chair and professor of Dance. LMU students will join the show’s chorus.

“LMU is fortunate to share the stage with world-class choreographers and performers, who through this powerful performance, address important questions about how women hold, embody, and express power,” LeBlanc Loo said. “This production offers an invitation for the Los Angeles community to experience dance at LMU while providing vital opportunities for our students pursuing dance careers….”

From Loyola Marymount newsroom