The Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Dance at Princeton University will present real lies, an original production choreographed and directed by Princeton seniors James Jared and William Keiser that explores a multitude of dichotomies — discipline/pleasure, internal/external, and performer/audience, among others — through dance.

Uniting the story of Pinocchio with a study of artistry and performance, two casts and two choreographers share one stage. Shows are February 21 at 8:30 p.m., February 22 at 9:30 p.m., and February 23 at 2 and 8:30 p.m. at the Hearst Dance Theater at the Lewis Arts complex on the Princeton University campus. The performances are free and open to the public, however advance tickets reservations are encouraged.

real lies represents Jared and Keiser’s independent theses in the Program in Dance. The show unites Jared’s exploration of artistry and performance with Keiser’s abstracted rendition of the story of Pinocchio. Jared’s work aims to highlight the dialogue that occurs through the stage proscenium and explores the extremity of various conceptions of dance. Keiser’s work follows the figure of Pinocchio as he runs away from his creator, Geppetto, meets false friends, joins the military, gets lost in a world of hedonistic pleasure, and ultimately must find balance within himself. Presented as one show, the pieces are interwoven to form an evening of internal and external elements.

The productions features strobe lights, partial nudity, and interaction with the dancers and therefore may not be suitable for all audiences. Visit arts.princeton.edu for more information.