[photo credit: Sierra Madre Playhouse]
“T.R.U.S.T.” features dancers, gymnasts and actors working as teammates on surrealistic sets. They manipulate a platform, traveling ottoman and acrobatic wheel, tumbling and catching through the air with precision. Middle sections introduce benches, ladders and a door, highlighting cooperative partnering and problem-solving. The final section challenges performers through a maze of obstacles as they develop confidence and overcome adversity.
The piece creates metaphors for human relationships while addressing the struggle to maintain balance in today’s detached world. Heim’s creative approach begins with selecting everyday objects based on their architectural qualities, then performers explore movement through improvisation before the work is shaped into final form.
Heim studied dance and choreography in France, the United States and England, earning an MFA in choreography from the California Institute of the Arts. His work has attracted international commissions, including creating choreography for Cirque du Soleil’s long-running Las Vegas show “KÀ.” Beyond performance, Heim founded the DIAVOLO Veterans Project in 2016, which has served more than 700 veterans through healing movement programs.
“T.R.U.S.T.” will run on Friday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m. Sierra Madre Playhouse, San Gabriel Valley. For more information, call (626) 355-4318 or visit https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/event/diavolo2026. Ticket prices: $25.00 membership for annual access; additional ticket options available.
