“Odisea” is part of choreographer Carolyn Dorfman’s The Legacy Project—her tireless exploration of the trials and traumas of the Jewish diaspora. In “Odisea,” Dorfman chronicles the persecution and odyssey (or odisea) of 23 Jewish refugees who fled Recífe, Brazil for America in 1654. Created in 2004, “Odisea” commemorates the 350th anniversary of this odyssey.

Photo: Paula Lobo Odisea.

“I am thrilled to be setting my work on Dance NOW! Miami,” says Dorfman. “Odisea demands a strong technical and dramatic range and a depth of human understanding. Its historical context provides a visceral relevance to today, especially in South Florida. People seeking hope. I have seen this company work and perform, and they embody the integrity and desire for artistic nuance that will bring this work to life on stage.”

Dorfman is a child survivor of the Holocaust, and her work uses that experience to reveal universal connections shared by groups traditionally marginalized and persecuted. In two parts, “Odisea” weaves together elements of Jewish gesture, prayer, resignation and uncertainty as the 23 Jews give up on home for a new beginning.

Dance Now! Miami welcomes the community to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex Dance Studios to experience Master Choreographer Carolyn Dorfman in action as she sets “Odisea” on its dancers. Watch the promo video here: http://vimeo.com/28559247.

Performances are Sept. 19, Oct. 1 and Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex Dance Studios, 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami; www.dancenowmiami.org.