Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance History
Stories are among our most potent tools. We need to unearth old stories that live in a place and begin to create new ones. We are story makers, not just story tellers. All stories are connected, new ones woven from threads of the old. (Paraphrased – Robin Wall Kimmerer)
Join ARENA DANCES every Thursday lunch break for new podcasts, hosted by Artistic Director Mathew Janczewski. This series will share the histories of notable Twin Cities dance artists and the evolution of the industry’s landscape through time. Each week will feature a new guest of honor, sharing their story and impact on this gem of an arts town.
— Our special guests this week is Connor Berkompas of NERVOUS THEATRE —
To listen to previous episodes, click HERE!
More about today’s special guest –
NERVOUS THEATRE is a nomadic theatrical collective creating ensemble-driven productions. Their work celebrates and exploits the ‘liveness’ of theatre for all its physical and communal possibilities. Founded by artistic director Connor Berkompas, NERVOUS THEATRE has been hailed as “Ambitious and Fabulous” by The San Diego Reader and recognized as “an electrifying company to keep a close eye on” by The Arts Business. Their eclectic body of work has been presented by arts organizations across the nation including Tinworks Art, Gloucester Stage Company, The Boston Conservatory, Westside Theater and Surel’s Place.
NERVOUS THEATRE will make their Minneapolis debut with the full-length work DANCING ANIMALS at The Southern Theater as part of their Performance Partnership Program in June of 2025.
HH showing Friday, 4/24/25 5:30pm
dance with me, baby is a celebration of communal movement and its transformative power. On this night, with this audience, what is the conversation that only we can have? In rediscovering each other, can we envision new ways of being together?
There are four of us… and many more of you.
Why are we all speaking at the same time?
When did we start dancing?
Where do we go from here?
Nervous Theatre presents a work-in-process ahead of their evening-length premiere at The Southern Theater in June of 2025. dance with me, baby is created by artistic director Connor Berkompas in collaboration with Alexandra Bodnarchuk, Marcela Michelle, and Yukina Sato.
Missed last week’s episode? You can find all our previous interviews by clicking here!