ECHO PRESENTS... An Evening of Original Music, Dance, and Performance Art

Frank's Place at the Dallas Theater Center

June 3 - 5, 1999

Directed by Rhonda Blair

Echo Presents... expands Echo's focus from woman as writer to woman as performer. Participating in this event are local artists whose work Dallas audiences have seen before -- but never quite like this! The evening provides a venue for women to experiment with the theatrical form by trying out short performance pieces, presenting original music and dance compositions, and even tossing in some stand-up. As they challenge form, the women of Echo Presents... also examine gender, focusing on what it's like to play a female, both on stage and off.

American Jesus, performed and written by Rhonda Blair, examines Christian fundamentalism of a particularly American kind. The piece uses fictionalized autobiography, the Bible and hymns to explore how it feels when the Word pushes itself into Flesh and fundamental(ist) "writings" enter into the body and soul.

Anna Brownsted's Matron, Maiden, Main-Dish Tart is a movement-based transformational piece which journeys from the un-selfconscious imaginative play of a nine-year old to the world weary reflections of a twenty-five year old crone!

Ground Level Dance Company was created in 1997 for the purpose of challenging accepted ideals of contemporary dance. This collaboration with Echo is their final performance in Dallas before hitting the road in search of new and alternative ways of moving and producing fresh, innovative choreography.

With original music by local actress and singer Laurie McNair
and stand-up comedy from Echo's own Linda Marie Ford!