Certain modern-dance pieces seem to remain just that: modern, still relevant to the everchanging human condition. Zvi Gotheiner’s evening-length work Chairs, staged this weekend by Repertory Dance Theatre, is just such a work. “Chairs is a timeless work of art,” says RDT’s Artistic Director Linda Smith. “For me, that is what ‘classic’ means … timeless and lasting. Chairs speaks of relationships … things we all experience.

“The movement vocabulary is more ‘universal’ and doesn’t reflect a specific style that could date it. That is one of the things I love about Zvi’s choreography. Zvi trained in ballet, Graham technique, folk dance [and] eclectic modern dance, and his vocabulary is a blend of many cultures and time periods. To me, his movement is always motivated and not contrived.”

Such universal use of themes and movement ultimately is what makes Chairs work. Staged in the smaller Black Box Theatre for a more intimate experience, Gotheiner’s exploration of life as we know it comes across as a journey of sorts— as if they are not only paying witness to life, but experiencing it anew.

“Audiences that saw the piece in 1999 will no doubt see a different version, because each dancer brings his/her individual color, intent, artistry to the work,” says Smith. “Also, seeing a piece more than once is a great opportunity. Each viewing will give the audience new perspective and opportunities to engage detail and subtlety.”

RDT Presents Chairs @ Rose Wagner Center Black Box Theatre, 138 W. 300 South, 801-355-2787, April 9-11, 8 p.m. & April 12, 2 p.m. RDTUtah.org