On April 23 & 24, 2008, Rebecca Davis Dance Company premiered DARFUR, a powerful and engaging multi-media modern dance production. The modern dance production is designed to raise awareness and funds for victims of genocide and is based on the Emmy-nominated documentary film The Devil Came on Horseback.

Serving as an African Union military observer, Brian Steidle spent six months in war-torn Darfur and recorded his experiences in the book and documentary film “The Devil Came on Horseback.”  Steidle, who has since co-founded HOPE Artists in support of those who use their crafts to speak out against genocide, shares his story with Rebecca Davis Dance Company in hopes that if people are no longer blind to the terrible conflict in Sudan, they will be moved to learn how they can support lasting peace.

Each time Rebecca Davis Dance Company presents DARFUR, the audience plays an important role in aiding victims of genocide. Proceeds from ticket sales or presenting fees are donated to the non-profit organization Global Grassroots. Working to aid disadvantaged communities worldwide and especially focused on supporting peace in Sudan, Global Grassroots goes beyond donations of food, supplies or shelter. The organization invests its resources in individuals and communities, who, despite deep social and economic hardship, offer ideas for lasting social change. Working especially to support the women of disadvantaged countries, Global Grassroots strives for sustainable solutions motivated from within the community itself.

The ballet is performed by a cast of ten professional dancers and is set to alternative rock music by various artists, including: A Perfect Circle, Apocalyptica and Damien Rice.

Behind the dancers, a special multi-media Second Life video plays out.  The video is the creation of Human + Nature, the producer of socially conscious film and video that inspires its audience to work for a better world.  

In asking Artistic Director Rebecca Davis why she decided to choreograph a ballet about Darfur, she says: “this is a human issue, and we all have the ability and the responsibility to make a difference. It’s my hope that no-one can learn about the atrocities in Darfur without feeling a moral obligation to help.”