Do Jump! reprises Weisman piece

By Jewish Review

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Do Jump! returns to the Newmark Theater May 17-31 with an inspiring and joyful spectacle telling the true story of Gaviotas, a village in Colombia that is an exemplar of sustainable culture.

¡Entusiasmo! is adapted from the book “Gaviotas: A Village to Reinvent the World,” by Jewish author Alan Weisman, whose recent book, “The World Without Us” has become an international best seller and was featured in the Jewish Review last fall.

Gaviotans have invented remarkable windmills, solar kettles and diverse human-powered devices. They have regenerated a native rainforest. They live in peace in the middle of a war-torn country and have become a beacon of hope to the world.

The performance features traditional Colombian music by Los Llaneros (Karin Stein, Edgar East and Rene Devia ) and original music by Portland composer Joan Szymko.

When ¡Entusiasmo! premiered in April 2004 The Oregonian said, “For the first time in its 26-year existence, the company turns to storytelling, and it’s a delightful triumph.”

Under the direction of Artistic Director Robin Lane, company members combine acrobatics, virtuosic aerial dance, comedy and the unexpected to create a world where humans dance in the air and everyday objects take on a life of their own.

This production is sponsored in part by Coalition for a Livable Future, Natural Step Network and Portland Office of Sustainable Development, The National Endowment for the Arts, RACC, the Oregon Arts Commission, The Collins Foundation, Work for Art and KINK.

Tickets are $29.50-$35 for adults and $25-$30 for elders and children 12 and younger. Group discounts are available through the Do Jump box office, 503-231-1232.

Tickets are also available from PCPA, 503-245-4335.