Photo by Gary Heller

(WAYNE, NJ) -- The award-winning Mosaic Dance Theater Company (MDTC), based in Glen Ridge, NJ, in a co-production with WP Presents! of the Shea Center for Performing Arts at William Paterson University, celebrates Women’s History Month and women’s contributions to world culture by taking you on a journey from ancient to modern times, in Through Her Eyes: Women of the Near East Through the Ages, a joyous multimedia dance experience. The performance is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 7:00pm.

Through Her Eyes begins its journey four thousand years ago, portraying two historical women of the ancient Near East, who, despite struggles and repression, triumphed over cultural and religious obstacles to attain greatness in their respective lives and times: Enheduanna, the poet/priestess of Mesopotamia, and the first non-anonymous author in history, and Hatshepsut, the female Pharaoh/King of Ancient Egypt. Their stories, told in MDTC’s signature style of dance/story theater, embody the majestic power and resilience of the human spirit, providing an illuminating look at women's achievements in ancient times.

The next stop is the 19th Century. Inspired by the Egyptomania following Napoleon’s excavations of Egypt, artists of the European academies flocked to North Africa to paint the life and culture of this part of the world, creating the genre known as Orientalist painting. MDTC takes the audience beyond the image to re-imagine a moment in time captured in some of these canvases, and brings the paintings to life, through dance.  

The presentation concludes with several exuberant dances of modern folklore from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Upper Egypt. Samara Adell, MDTC’s Artistic Director for Dance, has choreographed the production using traditional styles of Middle Eastern dance, ancient Near Eastern dance, and contemporary fusion. With dynamic choreography, lavish costuming, and spoken word Through Her Eyes is not to be missed. 

Through Her Eyes: Women of the Near East Through the Ages plays 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Shea Center for Performing Arts, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Box Office at 973-720-2371.

Based in Glen Ridge, N.J., Mosaic Dance Theater Company is dedicated to the dance and folkloric traditions of the Mediterranean region. The Company’s original dance, theater, and educational programs celebrate the rich diversity of cultures of the lands of North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. The dances and music, the stories and myths, and the history and legends of this fascinating area form the wellspring of inspiration for MDTC’s creative vision.  Founded in 2003 by Producing Artistic Director Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, this critically acclaimed company is known for its artistry and authenticity, not only in creating the original works that comprise its repertory, but also in faithfully researching their origins to ensure cultural integrity.  Touring nationally to performing arts venues, universities, schools, and community institutions, the Company is the recipient of the Sunshine Award for its contribution to the performing arts, recognized by NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) and the United Nations.

WP Presents! strives to bring to the William Paterson University campus high caliber touring artists across a range of disciplines including acoustic and world music, contemporary folk music, theatre, dance, family programming and other eclectic fare. The series is built on a foundation of excellence and continuously seeks innovative programming to serve the campus, and the community.

A multitude of artists including David Crosby, Graham Nash, Lucinda Williams, DMC, Los Lonely Boys, Wanda Sykes, Paula Poundstone, Dar Williams, David Bromberg, Roy Haynes, Arlo Guthrie, Johnny Ventura, The 5th Dimension, Judy Collins, Southside Johnny, John Sebastian, Jim Messina and Dark Star Orchestra have graced our stage.  We have presented works from national theatre tours of The Second City, Moscow Ballet, Aquila Theatre Company, American Place Theatre, TheaterWorks USA, Vital Theatre, and the National Theatre of the Deaf. Family Performances have included participation in New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival, and sensory friendly productions presented by a variety of artists and theater companies. Many of our visiting artists conduct educational outreach programs, for both the community at large and the University.