EDGE Philadelphia

Between news from Iraq, the weekly gaffes of American politicians, and the fever over Pennsylvania’s impending presidential primary, it’s easy to forget that genocide remains a reality in some parts of the world. Hundreds of thousands of African Sudanese face murder and cruel violence, and are driven from their homes under a government that brutalizes its own citizens while the world largely watches. You might not see it often in the papers or on television, but this does not mean that the crisis in Darfur is over.

Young Philadelphia artist and entrepreneur Rebecca Davis is offering a new way to get involved. Since founding her own non-profit ballet company in 2005 with a vision to revitalize ballet by expressing literature, history and important world events onstage, she’s been working toward a production that, in her words, "tackles an urgent issue."

DARFUR, Rebecca Davis Dance Company’s latest world premiere, was sparked when Davis discovered "The Devil Came on Horseback". US Marine Brian Steidle authored this book after witnessing the violence in Sudan firsthand through an observation mission with the African Union. Davis was deeply affected by the photos and stories Steidle shared with the world.

"When I started reading Brian Steidle’s book, I was in shock," she said. I couldn’t believe these things were happening today."

Davis said she wanted to find a new way to reach people with the issue, shaping an important message through her art:

"I turned to my choreographic voice to try to both process and communicate this information to others," she said.

Now, the world premiere of DARFUR, coming April 23 and 24 to the Arden Theatre’s stage, promises to be one of the most innovative and powerful contemporary dance performances ever featured in Philadelphia. Based on the narrative of Steidle’s book, the choreography is set to alternative rock music from artists like Green Day and Damien Rice. There’s also a unique multi-media aspect to the show: flanking the cast of ten professional dancers is a Second Life video production by Human + Nature, a maker of socially conscious film and video.

But the show isn’t just about raising awareness. DARFUR’s audience can aid victims of the genocide simply through purchasing a ticket. Twenty-five percent of each ticket sold will be donated to the non-profit organization Global Grassroots, which works to aid disadvantaged communities worldwide, fighting gender-based violence and fostering relief in Darfur. In addition to donating to Global Grassroots, Rebecca Davis Dance Company is also teaming with Darfur Alert Coalition to offer a special exhibition of artwork by Sudanese children that will be available to view before and after the performance.

Davis is clear about why she’s proud to present DARFUR, even though the conflict can seem far away from Philadelphia.

"This is a human issue, and we all have the ability and the responsibility to make a difference," she said. "It’s my hope that no-one can learn about the atrocities in Darfur without feeling a moral obligation to help."

Tickets to DARFUR are still available through the Arden’s box office for $20 - $30. Performances will take place on April 23 - 24 at 8 p.m., and ticket holders for the later are invited to the after party at Triumph Brewing Company on Chestnut Street for food, drink specials and a chance to meet the cast. Call (215) 922-1122 or log onto www.rebeccadavisdance.com for more information.