House of DOV recently unveiled its newest dance work in the Chicagoland area.
The company presented the world premiere of "Circle of Apathy" at Ragdale in Lake Forest, Ill last weekend. On June 27 and 28, the dance company will once again present the production at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest.
"It (the dance work) was originally inspired by a book I read in 2023 on immunizations," said Drew Lewis, creative director of House of DOV and choreographer of "Circle of Apathy." The book that provided the inspiration was "On Immunity: An Inoculation" by Eula Biss.
Lewis said although the book had "nothin to do with dance," he was inspired by Biss' mentioning that "human beings are part of the natural world and not separate from it."
"Circle of Apathy" explores "the cycles of growth and disintegration intrinsic to nature," Lewis believes. He said the dance work showcases the human body as a "metaphor" for the natural world. In "Circle of Apathy" the dance troupe performs to live music by Family Junket. Lewis said "Circle of Apathy" was in the works for three years.
Pictured is the dance troupe House of DOV. Provided photo.
House of DOV was established by Lewis five years ago. One of the major goals for his company is that he wanted to start it "as a way to try to give talented young dancers an opportunity for work."
Part of House of DOV's mission, which is stated on its website, is: "Our vision is of a dance field that celebrates diversity of genre, body-type, race and gender, and our mission is to be a changemaker in the local dance conversation while engaging with global discourse through touring."
Lewis explained the name of the company is inspired by his great great grandfather Benjamin Dov Lebowitz, who emigrated from Russia and went to live in Brooklyn in the early 1900s.
To learn more about House of DOV and its performances, visit www.houseofdov.com