Edgeworks Dance Theater

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m., $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, paintedbride.org.

by Deni Kasrel

Dance

Dancer/choreographer Helanius J. Wilkins came up with the concept for The Determining Factor more than a decade ago, but he sat on the idea, because "the timing wasn't right." The show investigates circumstances that shape attitudes and actions regarding views of gender, sexuality and spirituality, and Wilkins believes that, with so much attention currently being given to same-sex marriage and the outing of priests, "The time now is ripe for this piece. ... I sense that more people are willing to have the conversation."

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Including video and taped excerpts of interviews conducted at discussion groups held in churches and schools, The Determining Factor features the all-black, all-male Edgeworks Dance Theater, dancing, singing and engaging in spoken word. The goal is to defy stereotypes of gender and ethnicity and to question what is fact and what is fiction. "Part of my inspiration was Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Wilkins explains. "There's a very phantasmagorical quality to the look of the work, and what you experience is essentially a fairy tale."

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m., $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, paintedbride.org.