A cast and crew of graduate students and undergraduates are blowing up balloons, sort of, for choreographer John Jasperse’s new work, Beyond Belief.

Jasperse, artistic director-choreographer of the John Jasperse Company in New York City, created Beyond Belief this winter quarter while serving as artist-in-residence in the Department of Theatre and Dance. The production’s world premiere is set for March 6, and subsequent performances are scheduled through March 15, in Main Theatre.

Jasperse compares Beyond Belief to a series of balloons that are blown up and then either burst or deflate in surprising ways, over and over.

“The imagery in the work is defined as much by what is hidden as by what is revealed. The intention is that we begin to examine how we make these determinations of what is true and false, of what is real and what is imagined.”

Beyond Belief juxtaposes different styles of dance and music in a collage that bounces between the sincere and the ironic, asking us to examine what we believe, what we don’t, and why.

Like a kaleidoscope, Beyond Belief presents various ways of creating “theatrical magic.” The piece alternates between constructing and deconstructing illusion, by following age-old recipes, breaking these rules, and occasionally revealing the tricks behind them.

The illusions, which range from cheap to surprisingly refined, provide a non-narrative journey.  Images of the baroque, refinement, seduction, valiance and violence, emerge and disappear; in the end, the audience must decide what to believe and what is ruse, what is solid and what is fluff.

Jaspere’s company “aims to challenge and engage its audiences in rich and innovative aesthetic and intellectual experiences, thereby expanding the form of contemporary concert dance and its relevance to the greater culture.”

Actor-dancer Anne Reeder, who performs in Beyond Belief, said: “John’s direction has been innovative and intelligent and very intense, but silly, too.

“He exposed me to a different way of thinking about choreography,” said Reeder, a candidate for a Master of Fine Arts in acting. “His style is as specific as his language is clear. The movement has been challenging and hard to master — an incredible learning experience.”

Stage manager and second-year dramatic arts major Evelyn DeFelice described rehearsals as “a veritable anatomy-physiology class.”

She noted: “John has the most unique and engaging way of expressing his vision. When you see the show, you’ll catch a glimpse into the eclectic, humorous and brilliant way his mind works.”

Rounding out the UC Davis cast are Hillary Bryan, a doctoral student in performance studies; MFA acting candidates Hope Mirlis and Christine Samson; and actor-dancers Jenna Chen, Tyler Eash, Hillary Feineman-Klausner, Devin Montoya and Heather Shapiro.

The production team includes MFA candidates Lynne Giovanetti (costume design), Jamie Kumpf (scenic design), Tony Shayne (lighting design), and undergraduate assistant stage managers Taylor Devarie, Brittany Maxwell and Alejandro Torres.

Reporting by theatre and dance publicity director Janice Bisgaard.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Beyond Belief, a new choreographic work, created and directed by Artist-in-Residence John Jasperse

WHEN: 8 p.m. March 6, 7, 13 and 14; 7 p.m. March 8; and 2 p.m. March 15

WHERE: Main Theatre

Tickets are available through the Mondavi Center box office: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org.

School group tickets, for 10 or more: $5. Call the Department of Theatre and Dance, (530) 752-5863 to make arrangements for this discount.

ADVISORY: This production includes the use of chemical fog.

MORE INFORMATION: theatredance.ucdavis.edu