Spring is around the corner, and folks, like the NWA Ballet Theatre, are getting out and
onto the trails. Exposed: A Ballet on the Trail, is an original ballet, inspired by a
portfolio of Brent Umphlett’s awe-inspiring photography. The concept for the artistic
collaboration began with Brent Umphlett’s journal photography, which documented his
three-month adventure and trek through the Rocky Mountains. Nicole Leachman,
Managing Director, Faulkner Performing Arts Center (FPAC) then contacted Stephen
Wynne, Artistic Director of NWA Ballet Theatre, and Lendell Black, Emmy-winning
composer/arranger, to collaborate and develop a libretto that would bring Brent’s
journey to life. This project would be the culminating production of FPAC’s 10th
Anniversary celebration. Nicole shares, “I am very excited about this collaboration of
Arkansas artists and alumni to close our 10th anniversary season at the Faulkner
Center. We feel it is imperative to support and grow local artists on a main stage and
provide their work to our community and the region. I have been honored and humbled
to join this artistic journey and collaboration. We are beyond excited to premiere this
work in May!

“The libretto and the entire production will focus on bringing Brent’s journey’s nuance,
emotion, and majesty to the stage and life. Stephen elaborates, “The original idea of
Exposed was to depict a physical journey through awe-inspiring landscapes. Yet, as we
began trekking through the creative process it became evident that we were tunneling
deeper and deeper, reflecting and exposing the core of the journey of personhood.”
Stephen Wynne and Lenndell Black work hand-in-hand as Lendell composes each
music section, Stephen shares his choreographic interpretation, and the conversation
continues. There is synergistic and constant dialogue between the composer and
choreographer as Exposed develops Acts one and two. Lendell expresses, “Exposed” is
the story of an improbable journey, first seen through a camera lens and now
illuminated through an excellent collaboration of creativity. While rooted in a physical
journey, “Exposed” becomes a metaphor for the walk of humanity as we experience the
joys, struggles and victories every day. I’m honored to be along for the ride on this
project, and I hope that our audience will see, hear, and feel themselves in the story of
“Exposed.”

Brent’s journey exposed him to nature’s awe and dangers. The trek began in Canada
and concluded in Mexico. The ballet choreography and the music composition elaborate
and broaden Brent’s experience and prepare it for the stage. Brent discloses, “Of all the
things I expected to come out of this adventure, being an inspiration for a ballet was not
one of them. I’m excited to see the ballet, and maybe it will inspire someone to go after
their big adventure.”

Stephen voices, “NWA Ballet Theatre values this opportunity initiated by The Faulkner
Performing Arts Center; an innovative and quality collaboration: musical composition,
ballet choreography, nature photography.” Powerfully and skillfully executed by the NWA
Ballet Theatre performing artists, this work in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the
Faulkner Performing Arts Center. The two-act ballet, Exposed: a Ballet on the Trail,
can be seen May 3, 2025, at 7:30 pm at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center. The
second performance of this work will take place May 9, at 7:30 pm at The Auditorium
in Eureka Springs.

Dance Photo Credit: Dylan Buyskes Photography
Choreography: Stephen Wynne
Music Composition: Lendell Black
Nature Photography: Brett Umphlett
Costume Design: Margie Bordovsky

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