Creating The Dreamer | Iris Van Wieren

Ballet 5:8 Trainee Iris Van Wieren shares about becoming her character in The Dreamer, which premieres May 28 at Lincoln-Way West High School.

Who is your character in The Dreamer?
Leah

What has been the most interesting or challenging part about portraying your character?

The most interesting part about portraying Leah has been finding emotions besides just sadness and happiness. The most challenging part has been mastering the transitions to each scene and determining how to portray lots of years passing in a short amount of time on stage.

Which scene is your favorite and why?

I have two scenes I love. The first scene is when Rachel and Leah are making soup and just enjoying being sisters without thinking about the fact that Jacob doesn’t love Leah as much as Rachel. This is even after Leah has had many children with Jacob. The second scene is selling Joseph, the acting is serious and gets the story across, while still being extremely funny and entertaining.

Why do you think audiences should see The Dreamer?

The Dreamer presents the biblical story of Joseph through the art of storytelling and dance. It presents a wide span of emotions and human behavior of deep hurt, betrayal, and anger, while also including funny, exciting and sassy moments. This ballet reminds us that God’s plan for our lives cannot always be seen or understood right away, and every situation we are put in is just a small part of God’s plan for each of us.

The Dreamer is choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager and co-choreographed by instructors at the School of Ballet 5:8. See it May 28-29, 2022 at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox, IL. Invite your friends and family to attend with you as a group and save $5 per ticket by using the code B58Group.