TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — “Beginning, Begin Again,” a multimeda, improvisational performance featuring a collective of artists drawn from The University of Alabama and the central Alabama artistic community, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Allen Bales Theatre on the UA campus.
The event is sponsored by the Creative Campus Initiative.
The 75-minute event will combine music, poetry, vocalization, dance and a sculpture installation to create a live “collage” of these materials. The performance will take shape as the artists mold the event in real time.
“I hope it will excite and interest the campus community to explore art forms that take them out of their comfort zones and challenge them to have fun in that exploration,” says composer Dr. Andrew Raffo Dewar, assistant professor in New College and music, who will play the saxophone at the event. “I think of it as a chance to broaden your horizons, have fun, laugh, cry, get angry, breathe and experience something new.”
The organizers hope to inspire artists throughout the UA community to try new things, says Dr. Hank Lazer, UA associate provost, who also will be participating.
“I hope it will act as a catalyst to encourage more and more experimentation and collaboration,” Lazer says. “I also hope it will help to develop an audience for innovative improvisatory jazz.”
Books, CDs and DVDs by the performers will be available for purchase. A discussion between performers and audience will follow the event.
The performance is free, but space is limited. Tickets are being distributed through Crimson Arts tickets at www.crimsonartstickets.com. Patrons are strongly encouraged to register early. For more information, visit www.creativecampus.ua.edu or phone 205/348-7884.
Performers for the event are:
Jake Berry: poetry and video
Jennifer Caputo: percussion
Rich Curtis: sound performance
Andrew Raffo Dewar: saxophone
Brian Elliot: lighting/tech
Chris Kozak:double bass
Celeste LaBourde: dance.
Hank Lazer: poetry
Stella Nystrom: dance
Susan Perry: visual arts
Matthew Ryan Powell: video
Neal Riley: electronics/tech
Wayne Sides: percussion and video
LaDonna Smith: violin
At Creative Campus, students and staff from The University of Alabama learn to fuse arts, sciences, cultures and talents. Within the walls of Creative Campus’ office, Maxwell Hall, people from all backgrounds come together to combine concepts, learn the process, and enhance skills that impact UA’s campus, community, culture and creativity.
Contact
Courtney Marr, Creative Campus, camarr@crimson.ua.edu; Alexis Clark, Creative Campus, 205/348-7887, alexis.clark@ua.edu; Richard LeComte, media relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu