“I Have Lived a Thousand Years": A Holocaust Memoir in Dance

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Come see a preview performance of Stretch Dance Company’s “I Have Lived a Thousand Years,” bringing Holocaust survivor Dr. Livia Bitton-Jackson's memoir to the stage through dance. It will be performed twice, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The production tells the true story of how a 13-year-old girl's world was drastically changed in 1944 as she was ripped from the comfort of family and home and transported on a cattle car to Auschwitz. Her story evokes the full range of emotions on her journey from a place of torture and unimaginable suffering to a life filled with hope, optimism, and love.

Lyndell Higgins, founder, executive and artistic director of Stretch Dance Company, created the production to teach teenage and adult audiences about tolerance and the history of the Holocaust. It has been endorsed by Holocaust education organizations including the Shoah Foundation and the Museum of Tolerance.

The historically accurate set designs, costumes, and makeup, coupled with an original score by composer Robby Greengold and emotionally driven choreography by Higgins, provide a moving, realistic, and educational experience for audiences. Stretch Dance Company plans to present this production to university, high school, and junior high students through tours in the U.S. and abroad.

After the 35-minute preview, audience members will have a chance to meet and talk with the director, designers, crew, and performers about the creation of the production. They also will get an exclusive sneak peak at production elements of the upcoming full-length production such as music and set designs. Drinks provided.

The cost is $15 for general admission, $10 for students, and free for Holocaust survivors. The production is suitable for children 12 and over. To buy tickets, visit http://ihavelivedathousandyears.eventbrite.com or call 213-545-1389.

There is free and metered parking on Hyperion and free parking in the residential area behind the studio. If you have special parking needs, please e-mail [email protected] or call 213-545-1389.

For more information on the production, contact Lyndell Higgins, co-president of Stretch Dance Company, at 213-545-1389 or [email protected] or visit www.stretchdanceco.com.

About Stretch Dance Company
Los Angeles-based Stretch Dance Company educates and entertains the community about art, humanity, culture, and history through an emotional and realistic portrayal of the human experience.

The company brings dance to a wide variety of audiences in new and exciting ways. Theatrical dance combines all forms and styles of dance with acting and other theatrical elements to honestly portray a character, emotion, or time in history. The dancers speak with their movements as they move through set pieces and theatrical lighting, performing pieces centered on the human experience.

Stretch Dance Company plans to present "I Have Lived a Thousand Years" to university, high school, and junior high students through tours in the U.S. and abroad. Audiences are given opportunities at select performances to participate in “Talk Backs” with the cast and crew about the production and the performance.

For more information, contact Lyndell Higgins, founder, executive, and artistic director of Stretch Dance Company, at 213-545-1389 or [email protected], or visit the website at www.stretchdanceco.com.