EAST LANSING - Wharton Center has commissioned a new dance and theatre piece with Inlet Dance Theatre of Cleveland, OH and playwright José Cruz González. Part of Wharton Center’s Dance Series, Among the Darkest Shadows will debut on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. and will be performed again on Sunday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. in the Pasant Theatre.

Inlet Dance Theatre is a contemporary dance company that utilizes dance to bring about personal development through training and mentoring, and to speak creatively about life and the issues we all face.

Among the Darkest Shadows tells the stories of Lodi, a young victim of labor trafficking, and Pinta, a victim of sex trafficking. Written by California-based playwright José Cruz González, this new story follows Lodi and Pinta’s journey through contemporary enslavement and their struggle to be free.

"This piece is really about hope," said Joshua Brown, dancer of Inlet Studios who plays the pimp. "There is a sorrowfully small amount of victims who actually do escape. I want this piece to engage audiences so that they become more informed about the topic and ban together to hopefully dismantle this evil."

There will be an Insight Preview and After Chat at each performance. The Insight Previews will be held at 6:45 p.m. for the Thursday performance and 12:15 p.m. for the Sunday performance, in the Jackson Lounge. After Chats will take place in the theatre immediately after each performance.

Tickets are now available.