UW Faculty Collaboration to Debut New Performance in Tunisia

"Swimming Upstream: A Country Music Composition," a new solo performance work written by Matthew Greenberg, a University of Wyoming assistant professor of theater and dance, will debut during the International University Theater Festival in Monastir, Tunisia, Saturday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 16.

The work features production design by Brandon Gellis, a UW associate professor of visual communication design, and reflects UW's continued partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Science in Tunisia.

Greenberg and Gellis' piece was selected to represent the United States at this performance festival, which will feature works from more than 50 countries.

The piece blends Greenberg's original songwriting, spoken reflection, body percussion and elements of Fitzmaurice Voicework, and explores grief, memory, embodiment and resilience. Through original songs, the performance traces a journey from loss and emotional exhaustion toward presence, community and enduring love.

The performance has been developed over multiyear stints, including a Jentel Artist Residency through UW's Neltje Center for Excellence in Creativity and the Arts. Greenberg also has performed this work in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Wellington, New Zealand.

The production uses light, sound, voice and physicality to create an intimate theatrical experience rooted in personal narrative and musical expression. Its premiere in Monastir represents both an artistic collaboration and a continuation of UW's international cultural engagement.

Greenberg and Gellis thank Saida Jedidi Sfaxi at the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia and UW's Center for Global Studies, Office for Global Engagement, Department of Visual Arts and Department of Theatre and Dance for the invitation and support to attend the International University Theater Festival, as well as the opportunity to continue to develop collaborations between UW and Tunisian partners.

For more information, email Gellis at [email protected] and Greenberg at [email protected].