The French Institute Alliance Française presents Saba Dance Theater, winner of the 2003–2004 Bessie/Time Out New York Audience Award for Best Performance, in the premiere of “3” on Friday, May 13 at 8 pm and Saturday, May 14 at 2 pm and 8 pm in Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, New York City. Tickets are $30 ($25 FIAF members and students with ID). Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 212-307-4100, by fax at 212-355-6189 or at the Florence Gould Hall box office at 55 East 59th Street, New York City.

“Saba has a sense of the outrageous…one of the most interesting of today’s young choreographers.” — Roberta Pikser, New York Dance Fax

“A choreographic entertainment with aesthetic sensibilities reminiscent of the Folies Bergère, Martha Graham, politcally satiric cabaret, and modernistic ballet.” — Lisa Jo Sagolla, Backstage

Saba Dance Theater’s new, evening-length production, “3,” explores the societal challenges encountered on the journey to self-discovery. Inspired by the three colors of the French flag, blue represents experiment and discovery; white, self and society; and red, choice and consequence. The fourteen sections encompass diverse dance styles, live singing, and acting, all set to eclectic music ranging from Edith Piaf to Astor Piazzolla and Ray Charles to Franz Schubert, as well as original compositions created for SDT. Known for flamboyant costumes and visual pleasures, this SDT production will once again surprise audiences with its arresting imagesÑthe contrast of the three colors, the shapes of the costumes, and the configurations of the dancers.

Fascinated to discover that colors affect people differently and produce a variety of emotions, Saba developed a multi-layered concept using color to depict the process of finding one’s identity. He envisioned a work with three distinct yet unified parts, like the French flag, constructed around the meaning of blue, white and red, that would represent the three phases of development one experiences, especially when faced with social obstacles such as discrimination, oppression, religious restrictions, sexual abuse, and addiction., as well as love and acceptance. “3” confronts serious issues which resonsate on a very personal level.

An actor, singer, poet and past principal Martha Graham dancer, Saba draws on many influences to create his unique blend of dance theaterÑfilm, fashion, art, music, movement and life itself. Working with the distinctive bodies and talents of his dancers, he mixes modern, ballet, hip hop, tango and his own characteristic movements to develop a different style of dance for each section. The elaborate costumes, which Saba designs and makes by hand himself, play a central role in the work.

Compelled to communicate a message of tolerance and understanding, Saba formed Saba Dance Theater in 2001 in response to the events of September 11. “Dancing to Celebrate Life,” the company’s first season, comprised a selection of works created and performed by multi-cultural artists to show the beauty, harmony and necessity of diversity. Following its first full-length presentation, “N.O.N.S.E.N.S.E.,” in 2002, SDT performed an adaptation of “Sleeping Beauty” as a Guest Company of FIAF in 2003. Last year’s production of “The Four Seasons” won the first Bessie/Time Out New York Audience Award for Best Performance.