When two powerful creative minds work together, the result of their labors is a sum far greater than its parts. Tonight we are thrilled to bring you Ephrat Asherie Dance's "Shadow Cities," a new collaboration between choreographer Ephrat Asherie and Grammy-winning Latin jazz artist Arturo O'Farrill.

It is not hard to imagine that cross-disciplinary collaborations like this one can feel risky to begin. They take artists out of their comfort zones, put them in a situation akin to learning a new language, where they experience divergent perspectives and approaches to the work. But as you will see tonight, taking this risk can yield thrilling results, opening a dialogue and moving an art form forward in inspiring new directions.

You too have taken a risk tonight. You have stepped outside your comfort zone; you are here with an open mind, to experience something new and to support the artists who have created this work for us. 

Thank you for that, and thank you for being a part of our creative community. I look forward to seeing you in the lobby.

Ian Driver
General Manager, The Purchase PAC

PS. Be sure to give a big shout-out to Purchase Conservatory of Dance alum Dorren "Moglii" Smith, who is dancing with the company tonight.