By Melyssa Allen

Meredith's School of the Arts is joining with Writer-in-Residence Betty Adcock and a host of student, faculty and staff volunteers to present "Wavelengths," a multi-disciplinary production in honor of the College's Founders' Day. "Wavelengths" is an artistic tribute to both the victims of recent natural disasters worldwide, and those who have come to their aid.

"Wavelengths" will be held in Jones Auditorium on Monday, February 27 at 8 p.m., with a pre-show beginning at 7:45 p.m. The performance, which is free and open to the public, is directed by John Creagh, head of the Department of Communication.

The production grew from Assistant Professor of Dance Carol Kyles Finley's idea to create a dance piece honoring Meredith's tsunami relief efforts. As other School of the Arts faculty became involved, the scope was expanded to include Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Pakistan and the means of expression grew to encompass not only dance, but music, visual art, theatre and creative writing.

"This performance has been created through a very joyful collaborative process," said Dean of the School of the Arts Becky Bailey. "It has been so energizing to see "Wavelengths" develop, starting from the idea of one dance. The emotionally rich and complex piece that has evolved has been made possible by a team of volunteers who would not normally have the opportunity to work together."

Finley's initial idea for a dance has become one segment of the program, a Community Dance group piece that incorporates imagery of loss, despair, survival and love. She is also designing costumes and choreographing two other works that will be performed by Meredith students, faculty and staff members. Dance Instructor Joan Nicholas-Walker has choreographed a featured solo, which she will perform. The music for this dance is a vocal solo sung by teaching licensure student Jewelyn Dunn.

Lisa Fredenburgh, associate professor of music, will direct Meredith Chorale and Chorus students throughout "Wavelengths." Writer-in Residence Betty Adcock will read original poetry.

Other faculty members participating include Assistant Professor of Art Melinda Fine, whose graphic design students are creating posters, Instructor of Theatre Jamie Cuthrell, who is designing scenery, props and assisting with costumes, and Instructor of Theatre Steven Roten, whose puppetry class is constructing a large scale puppet based on Phoenix symbolism and imagery. Jones Auditorium Manager Bill Brown is doing lights and sound, and has also "vowed that every member of the audience will receive an origami crane to take with them as a symbol of hope," Bailey said.

Dance major Ashley Penman, '06, is using"Wavelengths" as a vehicle to fulfill her LeaderShape grant goal to create a wider audience for dance. Photographs by Rachel Souza, '06, of hurricane-ravaged Biloxi, Miss., photographs of the tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka by Rebekah Meek, '05, and words written in response to the tsunami by Kelly Jones, '05, will be projected during the performance.

Extensive program notes will discuss "A Tide of Hope" and other Meredith College efforts to provide relief to disaster areas.

The "Wavelengths" performance "demonstrates the mission of the Center for Women in the Arts to provide a means for Meredith and the greater community to interact while examining important issues through the arts," Bailey said.

For more information, call the Meredith College School of the Arts at 919-760-8622.