Julia Leitao Choreographs Theatre Production in Summer Fellowship

2017 Aug 3

Julia Leitao '18 of New Britain is one of two Eastern Connecticut State University students participating in an Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Fellowship this summer. During the fellowship, Leitao is working with Theatre Professor Alycia Bright-Holland to devise the script and choreography for the upcoming Eastern theatre production "Thread City."

The show aims to tell the story of the immigrants who came to Willimantic to work in its historic thread mills. During one of Leitao's spring semester classes, she interviewed local residents, learned about theatre companies and completed "moment work" - a theatrical technique in which individual moments are dissected and explored.

"We will be delving deeper into the research and using it to create the characters, storyline and movement pieces of the show," said Leitao, who double majors in early childhood education and theatre with a concentration in acting/directing. "'Thread City' will focus on movement and sound rather than being a text-heavy performance.

"Devising a piece of theatre that tells the story through the body is something I am very excited to be a part of," added Leitao. "Our characters and movements will represent immigrants from various locations who have traveled to a new, strange world and are adapting to a new life."

"Thread City" will be performed at Eastern Oct. 11-15. "With immigration being such a heavy topic in America right now, I believe this show will be very relatable and allow the community to appreciate the history of Willimantic," concluded Leitao.

Eastern's Summer Research/Creative Activity Fellowship program is administered by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Advisory Council. Students from all majors can apply for the competitive fellowship. Participants receive a $1,000 stipend and $250 for travel.