Asheville Ballet and Black Swan Theatre present "Gilgamesh" September 14

UNC Asheville will host the premiere performance of “Gilgamesh” staged by the Asheville Ballet and Black Swan Theater at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, in the Lipinsky Auditorium.  The production, based on the world’s oldest surviving epic poem, incorporates dance, themed music and humor. General admission tickets are $15; UNC Asheville faculty/staff tickets are $10; and UNC Asheville student tickets are $6.

“Gilgamesh” features original text by David Brendan Hopes, noted playwright and UNC Asheville professor of literature. This modern production maintains the ancient story of the hero-king Gilgamesh, who became a legend through his battles with the Bull of Heaven and the god Humbaba. The story remains a tale of tragedy, brotherhood and adventure while incorporating contemporary art forms. Ann Dunn, Asheville Ballet director and UNC Asheville humanities lecturer, and Matthew Richmond, UNC Asheville adjunct music instructor, integrate original choreography and music into the piece.

For more information or to charge tickets by phone, call UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union Box Office at 828/232-5000. For information about group tickets, call UNC Asheville’s Cultural and Special Events Office at 828/251-6227.

The performance is part of a week-long series of events celebrating UNC Asheville, which will culminate with the installation of Anne Ponder as UNC Asheville’s sixth Chancellor at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, on the University Quadrangle. For more information about Installation Week events, click on www.unca.edu/installation/.