ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
I AM THE MONUMENT is a contemporary ballet choreographed by Stephen Mills in collaboration with Ballet Austin company dancers. The work is set to three movements of Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3, a four movement work for string orchestra that is considered one of Glass’ most traditional works. Mr. Mills, who draws deep choreographic inspiration from music, was inspired by the dynamic and percussive elements of the composition to create a work that allowed the dancers to fully embody the accompanying music.
CHOREOGRAPHY: Stephen Mills
MUSIC: Philip Glass
Photography by Anne Marie Bloodgood
All rights reserved | No unauthorized use
HIGHLIGHTS
- Choreography: Stephen Mills
- Music: Philip Glass
- Costume Design: Stephen Mills & Alexey Korygin
- Lighting Design: Erin Earle Fleming
- Run-time: 20 minutes
- Dancers: 17 (9 women & 8 men)
PREMIERES
THE LONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS | BALLET AUSTIN
Austin, TX – 2023 (World Premiere)
PRESS
In one formation, dancers look like the cylinders of an engine, moving their arms in sequence. The dancers are costumed in black, except for one woman wearing yellow. With low stances and an emphasis on dynamism, parts of the choreography feel futurist.
Sightlines Magazine
Ballet Austin gave the city a huge gift this month with its performance of a world premiere entitled ‘I Am The Monument,’ choreographed by Artistic Director Stephen Mills…the first movement in particular [was] movingly powerful, as the male dancers alone dominated the stage with staccato-like motions.
Sun News Austin