Pittsburgh's Byham Theater hosted Bodiography Contemporary Ballet for the production of "108 Minutes" in February, paying tribute to wounded soldiers and local scientific advances. Cello Fury played the musical score.  Director Maria Caruso's concept for the ballet grew from the metaphor of a scientific idea as a bride, "pure and eager to take the next step."  "108 Minutes" brought the scientists' passion to life on stage, as dancers beautifully portrayed the work of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

McGowan Institute Director Alan Russell opened the performance at the grand piano with a moving rendition of "Moonlight Sonata." He and Dr. Eric Lagasse proceeded to step and glide with the bride-dressed dancers.  Twirling and lifting his "bride" with precision and grace, Dr. Russell gave depth to the ballet's representation of researchers' dedication to their work and to cutting-edge medicine.

The vignettes in the subsequent parts of Act I each highlighted a different researcher's projects.  Though difficult for the casual observer to follow, the vignettes hinted at the intricacy, molecular structure, the organization and tissue engineering that regenerative medicine involves.  A written program detailing more than the scientific project goals would have shed light on what each vignette specifically represented- were the blue-costumed dancers showing cell division, enzyme action or wound healing?  One scientist later said that the director requested a video of cell culture for designing one vignette, so it was clear that the ballet was based on careful study.

Act II began the tribute to wounded soldiers.  The first dance depicted young men's and women's transformation as they conformed to army dress and behavior.  Dancers then re-enacted a battle scene, after which one soldier lay injured.  The brides came back to the stage for a hope-filled conclusion: their graceful healing of the fallen soldier was inspired by the experience of Marine Cpl. Isaias Hernandez, who regained the use of his leg after regenerative muscle therapy helped repair a severely-damaged quadricep.  

Cello Fury's three cellists and drummer engaged the audience in both aggressive rhythms and melodic rock throughout the evening, a perfect complement to the passion displayed by dancers on stage. 

Bodiography continues to inform and inspire audiences with their mission as contemporary artists. They will perform another medical program in June: "Heart (Function vs. Emotion)." Ticket sales will benefit the Family House, a non-profit organization that provides a caring environment for families and patients undergoing therapy in Pittsburgh:  http://www.bodiographycbc.com/home.html