Artist-in-residence presents world premiere

“Bill’s course will be a wonderful supplement to our movement and combat training, and he will provide additional workshops open to all UW students during his residency,” Lee Selting, professor and department head of the Fine Arts Department, said. “I hope everyone will take advantage of seeing his work, both in the classroom and on the stage.”

Aside from teaching university students and Laramie community members, Bowers has been busy creating, organizing and directing his physical theatre piece “Hey*O*Kah/Hok*A*Hey.” The opening performance Tuesday marked the show’s world premiere.

According to the news release the piece is “drawing inspiration from the ‘contraire’ clowns of Native America—the “Heyokah” of the Lakota tribe in particular—the play celebrates the power of difference to reflect, critique and transform culture.”

“Heyokahs were spiritual teachers of tolerance and inclusion,” Bowers said. “They ‘asked why’ of dangerous subjects, and balanced Sacredness with Irreverence. Most importantly, Heyokahs encouraged people to take themselves less seriously, to laugh at one’s self while being compassionate to others.”

Bower’s graduated from Montana’s Rocky Mountain College as valedictorian and continued his schooling, earning an MFA from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.

According to his official biography “as an actor, mime and educator, Bill has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. [His] extensive training and heartfelt personal style of acting and pantomime have led him on an incredible journey from regional stage to tours, television, film and even Broadway.”

The final two performances start at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday on the Fine Arts Main Stage. Tickets are $14 for the general public, $11 for seniors and $7 for students. They can be purchased online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts, by calling (307) 766-6666 or at the box office located in the Fine Arts Building.

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