L’Dor Vador

L’Dor Vador: From Generation to Generation
An Evening of Poetry and Dance

Overview

NobleMotion Dance joined forces with the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston to produce L’Dor Vador: An Evening of Poetry and Dance on April 9 & 10, 2016 at the Kaplan Theatre. This poignant evening weaves haunting poetry and luscious movement to tell the story of of a Jewish family’s journey from World War II Europe to the theaters of East Texas. Choreographers Andy and Dionne Noble and poet Claudia Juergensen Noble collaborate on this evening inspired by the writings of nationally recognized poets Hans and Ilse Juergensen. Andy, Dionne, and Claudia aspire to pay tribute to the personal memories, nightmares, and fantasies that are shared so eloquently through the Juergensen’s poetry.

History

Hans and Ilse Juergensen were holocaust refugees from Germany—and extraordinary poets. Between them fifteen volumes were published. Their only child, Claudia Juergensen Noble became a poet and playwright with eight theatrical productions. The third generation of artists brought Andy Noble, choreographer and co-founder of NobleMotion Dance.

Author Elie Wiesel wrote in his introduction to Hans Juergensen’s poetry volume Journey Toward the Roots:

“It is the poet in him who responds to every event. He lives in order to sing; he sings in order to bear testimony.”

Inspiration

Andy and Dionne see this subject matter as relevant in light of the current state of unrest and crisis facing so many refugees worldwide. “Internationally, we are on track to surpass 60 million refugees this year – a staggering number. History keeps repeating itself and I see this project as an opportunity to bring compassion and understanding to a current issue through the eyes of our ancestors,” says Dionne Noble. “The evening is ultimately a survival story – how two individuals with broken pasts find healing through love, family and art. It’s a celebration of what a fresh start can do and how beauty can emerge from destruction.”

“I was so excited to collaborate with my mother, Claudia, to bring my grandparents poetry and haunting stories to the stage. While there is some challenging thematic material, I find there is something incredibly uplifting about the power of family.” – Andy Noble.