Date: Jan 11, 2012

A Bright Future for "Into Sunlight"

Robin Becker and David Maraniss Bring Their Collaboration to Georgetown and Then to LI’s Trinity High School

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … Reading Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Maraniss’ They Marched Into Sunlight, was a life-altering experience for Hofstra Dance Professor Robin Becker. The book, a nonfiction account of two days in October 1967 at the height of the Vietnam War and antiwar protests, inspired Ms. Becker, who was moved by  “the timelessness and universality of the themes and events.” With Mr. Maraniss’ blessing, she embarked upon choreographing an evening-length dance, Into Sunlight, which explores the dimensions and effects of war on those in battle and those at home searching for peace.

In April 2011 Into Sunlight was the centerpiece of a three-day interdisciplinary conference at Hofstra University about the impact of war and violence on the human condition. Mr. Maraniss was a featured speaker and participant in that event.

Now, in 2012, Ms. Becker’s and Mr. Maraniss’ collaboration continues. The two are bringing Into Sunlight to Georgetown University’s Davis Performing Arts Center’s Gonda Theatre on January 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. For both performances, Mr. Maraniss will provide an introduction and participate in a post-show discussion with the artists and audience. Seven professional dancers from Ms. Becker’s New York-based troupe will perform the heart of the work. Additionally, nine Hofstra dance majors have been selected to take part in some of the ensemble sections. This program is presented by the Georgetown University Department of History and the Davis Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information people may visit performingarts.georgetown.edu or call (202) 687-ARTS (2787).
 
Into Sunlight continues to have a Long Island presence as well. Ms. Becker’s Hofstra students and alumni who are currently with her dance troupe will work with students from Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, NY, for a performance that will take place there on March 18, 2012. Mr. Maraniss will also speak at that event.

The first rehearsal and casting for Holy Trinity’s performance of Into Sunlight will take place at Hofstra University on Sunday, January 15, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For information on media coverage, please call Hofstra’s University Relations office at (516) 463-6819 or email Ginny Greenberg, director of public relations, at prpgse@hofstra.edu .

More information about Into Sunlight is available at www.intosunlight.org. There is also a documentary about Into Sunlight, filmed by a former Hofstra student, Abby Brenker. The film is posted on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0fRaysUE94&feature=player_embedded

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution of higher education where more than 12,000 full and part-time students choose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering, communication, education, health and human services, honors studies, a School of Law and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.
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Related Link: Documentary About "Into Sunlight" by Hofstra Alum Abby Brenker