ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
When loss rips through you—and when life takes from you—transcendence requires courage. In this most personal of works, Stephen Mills explores what it is to acknowledge human fear, yet ultimately choose courage. Heralded by Pointe Magazine as a “…monumental work,” EXIT WOUNDS is a full evening-length work portrayed in three chapters that explore situations in Mills’ life in which he witnessed acts of courage that altered his personal perspective. The title refers to the idea that when those we love and those who have influenced us exit this life, they take with them unrecoverable and intrinsic elements while leaving with us positive memories and important lessons. The work also explores the impact fear of loss can have on our lives and the options we have to face it, understand it, and ultimately, grow beyond it by choosing courage above all else. Experience this emotionally provoking and inspirational dance work designed to move your heart and mind while encouraging us all to find a way forward.
Commissioned by Beverly Dale
EXIT WOUNDS‘ three stories are connected through a series of short films produced by multimedia artist Jordan Moser, featuring stories from Mills’ personal experiences.(scroll down to view)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Stephen Mills
MUSIC: Graham Reynolds, Claude Debussy,
Joby Talbot, Jordan Moser, & Bryce Dessner
Photography by Anne Marie Bloodgood
All rights reserved | No unauthorized use
HIGHLIGHTS
- Choreography: Stephen Mills
- Music: Graham Reynolds, Claude Debussy,
Joby Talbot, Jordan Moser & Bryce Dessner
- Costume Design: Monica Guerra, Michael B. Raiford & Stephen Mills
- Scenic Design: Michael B. Raiford
- Lighting Design: Tony Tucci
- Video Design: Jordan Moser
- Additional Scenery Construction: Dynamic Duo Productions
- Run-time: 70 minutes in 3 movements without intermission
- Dancers: 20+ (10 women & 10 men)
PREMIERES
THE LONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS | BALLET AUSTIN
Austin, TX – 2018 (World Premiere)
EXIT WOUNDS:
THREE STORIES OF COURAGE
FIELDS
FIELDS, with an original score by award-winning composer Graham Reynolds, follows the path of a mother, from life to death, from fear to courage.
FOUR MORTAL MEN
FOUR MORTAL MEN, with music by Claude Debussy tells the story of the loss of innocence at the beginning of the AIDS crisis and the challenges faced by entire communities torn apart by illness, uncertainty, and bigotry.
TRUTH RESCUED BY TIME
TRUTH RESCUED BY TIME, featuring music by Bryce Dessner and Joby Talbot, strikes on themes prevalent in today’s headlines, giving a platform to thousands of individuals affected by sexual harassment and assault.
PRESS
“…Stephen Mills is not known for shying away from heavy themes. EXIT WOUNDS is about acts of courage big and small…[a] monumental work…”
Pointe Magazine
“Each of the three portions of the ballet was capable of evoking personal memories in anyone who experienced it.”
Sun News Austin
“[Stephen Mills] aims for the heart with ‘Exit Wounds’…commanding…without intermission…”
Austin360.com
“Courage Moves in Ballet Austin’s ‘Exit Wounds’…the most timely and surely the most personal dance that Mills has made…”
The Austin Chronicle