Today on the news, we head to 1518 Strasbourg, Germany, where a group of peasants have been dancing for days, their bodies writhing with uncontrollable movement. This is the world of Choreomania – KZMU’s 6th annual radio play – where wise fools and clergymen meet witchcraft and ergot-laced bread. The play centers around the strange but true story of a dancing plague that took hold of German villagers in medieval times. Choreomania is created and performed by a small troupe of local actors, musicians, and sound artists in three acts – the first of which premieres Friday night at 7pm (after the news).

Plus, our Weekly News Reel, where we speak with reporters about some of their latest stories of our area. Carter Pape from The Times-Independent (12:00) discusses Moab City’s consideration of a property tax, Grand County backing away from the bypass, and the latest on noise mitigation efforts. Maggie McGuire of the Moab Sun News (25:00) has a follow up on the annual homeless point-in-time count, and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s plans to visit Southeastern Utah.

Show Notes:

Photo: Choreomania Foley artist Josie Kovash uses most of her appendages to bring the soundscape of medieval Strasbourg to life

Link to Choreomania Playbill and Tip Jar

https://www.kzmu.org/choreomania/

Choreomania, The Episodes:

Episode 1 March 19: ‘Choreomania: The Dancing Plague’

Episode 2 March 26: ‘Witches and Mushrooms’

Episode 3 April 2: ‘Psychogenesis’

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: ‘Property Tax 101’ crash course coming to Moab

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/property-tax-101-crash-course-coming-to-moab/

The Times-Independent: County votes against further consideration of plans

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-votes-against-further-consideration-of-plans/

The Times-Independent: How Grand could enforce noise ordinances on OHVs

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/how-grand-could-enforce-noise-ordinances-on-ohvs/

Moab Sun News: More people identify as homeless in Grand County in 2021

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_4b7b45c4-8aa8-11eb-b1b4-af871334136d.html

Moab Sun News: Haaland to visit Utah, tour Bears Ears and Grand Staircase

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_2a40d164-89bb-11eb-b78a-334908d74e6a.html