'ohana producer and composer Johnny Nevin is writing an original score for an as-yet untitled work by choreographer Mollie Mock. The work will be premiered at the July 2009 New Dances performances of Thodos Dance Chicago at the Ruth Page Theater in Chicago (and more on that as it gets closer). The Thodos Dance Chicago New Dances series has been one of the most creatively diverse projects I've ever had the chance to be in on, and it has been the introduction for an astonishing variety of really gifted work.

Mollie envisions the project as an ensemble piece that explores a world of mystery and hidden passion, and the 'ohana track for the score (although not necessarily the choreographic work) is entitled "Hidden". The track is largely orchestral, but includes a large and complex percussion section. "Hidden" begins with an opening scene of rich musical darkness, and then goes on to discover a series of colors and emotions, developing through changing sections of driving rhythmic passages and melodic dreamscapes. Auditions are scheduled for Sunday, March 29. More information here in the next week, or check www.thodosdancechicago.org.