Bill T. Jones - UMD ARHU Dean's Lecture Series

Monday, October 24, 2011 5:30 pm - Kay Theatre Bill T. Jones, one of America's most accomplished choreographers, is the creative force behind Broadway's Spring Awakening (2007) and Fela! (2010), which he co-conceived, co-wrote, directed, and choreographed. He has received numerous major honors, including four Tony Awards, a 1994 MacArthur "Genius" Award and the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors. He will join Professor Leigh Smiley of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies on the set of RENT to discuss his work, his life and the big questions that motivate him artistically. "For me, the big struggle has been to find a place in the world through identity, history, and love ... " he said. "Though I move on, I must always ask the questions: Whom do I love, and what values are worth holding on to?" The Dean's Lecture Series provides an opportunity for the college's faculty, students and staff to join colleagues across campus in stimulating conversations about issues that cross our disciplines - either enduring or emerging questions central to the arts and humanities or questions arising from other disciplines to which the arts and humanities might speak. Bill T. Jones's appearance is co-sponsored by Artists-in-Residence and the Clarice Smith Center.