Review Fix chats with director and choreographer Reed Luplau about his latest production and so much more.
ABOUT REED LUPLAU:
Reed Luplau (Director/Choreographer) was born in Perth, Australia, and is a graduate of the Australian Ballet School. His choreography credits span Broadway, opera, and major events, including Ten Brave Seconds (Pioneer Theater), Spring Awakening (Skylight), Head Over Heels (Australia), PHISH at Madison Square Garden, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Disney Cruise Line, A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Santa Fe Opera, the Fire Island Dance Festival, Hudson Valley Dance Festival, Broadway Bares, and the Brooks Brothers 200th Birthday Celebration. Luplau has also created works for The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, and West Australian Ballet. His performance credits include original Broadway casts of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and the 2015 revival of Fiddler on the Roof.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:
HOW WILL I REMEMBER THIS draws its inspiration from the Netflix documentary Eldorado, which chronicles the legendary 1920s queer cabaret nightclub that became a beacon of Weimar-era LGBTQ+ culture before being forcibly closed by the Nazis in 1933. Through movement, music, and theatrical storytelling, the work traces one man’s journey as he attempts to reconstruct the events that led to the sudden and irreversible transformation of his world—asking the profound question: how do we hold onto memory when history refuses to let us?
The production features eight accomplished professional dancers alongside four gifted graduates from IAMT’s celebrated training program, embodying Reed Luplau Works’ core mission of bridging emerging talent with the professional dance world.
HOW WILL I REMEMBER THIS features scenic design by Sarina Rivera and costume design by DW. The production is produced by Peter Marinaro, with producing support from Andy Jones, Todd and Elizabeth Donovan, Lynda Erbs (AMCI), and IAMT’s Michael Minarik. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.
Review Fix: What inspired this production?
Reed Luplau: Honestly, the state of the world, especially in this country right now, inspired the work, How Will I Remember This. It’s been a wild, turbulent ride if you ask me, and I needed an outlet to pour positive, calming energy into this chaotic time. I like to say I enjoy learning about history, especially the Cold War/Berlin Wall/ and, of course, Germany, but most of all I am fascinated by Berlin and how the city has morphed over the centuries. How does this one place on earth attract so many altercations? I am also fascinated by the fact that this bar’s name, ‘Eldorado’, thrived during the 1920’s. It was marked as a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community, but it was also one of the first places where trans people were accepted. That’s 100 years ago, and we are still running in circles, taking away the rights of humans who are just trying to live. The piece ‘How Will I Remember This’ is not so much about that topic per se; however, I wanted to set it in a safe haven for both the audience and the dancers.
Review Fix: How is it different from the other stuff you’ve done?
Luplau: I believe this work will stand out from my other work because it is my first full-length piece directed, choreographed, and curated by myself. I have created dozens of short dances for ballet and contemporary companies, but this will be the first time I get to explore a story more deeply and create a new world for people to witness. Another phase is using live music for this work. Having composer Javier Dunn perform live will add another layer of artistry and storytelling, really engaging the audience.
Review Fix: How do you want this to be remembered?
Luplau: All I can hope and wish for is for my work to be remembered for its sophistication, directness, and timeliness. As an artist, I aspire for every piece to reflect a thoughtful, refined approach, communicating ideas clearly and efficiently without unnecessary complexity or ambiguity. I am committed to delivering relevant and impactful work, right when it’s needed, which is central to my legacy. Above all, I hope my work remains vibrant and enduring—continually resonating with new audiences and reaching as many people as possible over time.
Review Fix: What was it like to work with Javier Dunn? What did they add to the production?
Luplau: This is my third collaboration with Javier, so I’d say things are going well. Javier Dunn is a true bohemian artist. Not only is he a gifted composer, but he also paints, writes, cooks, you name it. Working with Javier’s catalogue has been on my bucket list, and we are finally doing it. His music waves between indie, alternative pop, rock, house, and orchestral vibes, so he really does it all. Along with his originals, Javi is also creating new music to tell this story. We sit and talk about what we want to say and also what I am envisioning, and he creates it with such ease.
Review Fix: How special is this team to you?
Luplau: This creative team has been with me over the past five years. (Probably longer). First and foremost, I am a collaborator. I love working with these fellow artists as we drive the next wave of designers. DW (Costume Design) is an icon amongst the theater community, and I am humbled that he always says yes. I describe the vibe in two words, and DW replies, ‘I got you.’ This talented human brings his visions to life and adds that extra spice to the work. Sarina Rivera (Scenic) is another genius. Her concepts dive deep into human connection and excel at transporting the viewer into the world of the piece. Her ideas are otherworldly, and I am excited for you to see her work come to life.
Review Fix: What’s next? Anything else you’d like to add?
Luplau: My vision for Reed Luplau Works is to create new and exciting dance works, drive the dance theater community forward, and continue engaging with the talented upcoming graduates of IAMT. I wish the works to be seen across the country and around the world, at art and dance festivals. Bringing the thriving dance community to places that need it most.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Luplau: Tickets are available on SimplyTIx, and you can find more information on my website and our social media platforms.
https://www.simpletix.com/e/how-will-i-remember-this-tickets-264925
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