Sacramento State Theatre and Dance Department explores the erotic and surreal in its provocative spring 2001 season.

In the spirit of Valentine?s Day and Black History Month, the department opens the season with “L?Amour Noir,” a performance celebrating love in the African and African-American experience.

Dancers express the theme to the lustful accompaniment of soulful legends Billie Holliday, Diana Washington, Nina Simone, Joe Williams and Luther Vandross.Harlem Renaissance legend Zora Neale Hurston is honored in “Spunk,” a play adapted from three of her original stories by award-winning playwright George C. Wolfe. Professor James Urtz directs a cast that uses narration, musical interludes and dance to bring the dramatization of the lives of rural and urban African-Americans in the early 20th century to life.

The struggle of women artists to find voice and vision in the 19th century is presented in the haunting play, “Dream of a Common Language.” Using mythological centaurs and golden butterflies illuminated in the night, Professor Juanita P. Rice directs the story of the dismissal of women from life-drawing classes, art exhibitions and salons in a dream-like take on the historical reality.

Graduate student Robin Henson showcases his Master?s Thesis Project in May with the direction of Mac Wellman?s “Dracula.”

This carnal adaptation of Bram Stoker?s original novel depicts a proper Victorian society stripped of all discipline and inhibitions, revealing the erotic and disturbing results. The department ends its season with “Jazzee Dance Company in Concert,” a concert presenting original works created and performed by advanced level dance students. The regionally celebrated, campus-based performance group is now in its 24th season. Tickets are available through the CSUS Central Ticket Office (916) 278-4323, or through Tickets.com.