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Pacific Island Tempest At Downtown's Million Dollar Theater
Photo courtesy of the artist, Lemi Ponifasio
REDCAT is doin’ the deed! Bringing in what’s labeled as “visionary” Samoan movement artist Lemi Ponifasio and his company MAU to the historic Million Dollar Theater downtown this weekend, the adventurous presenter will host the U.S. premiere of the internationally acclaimed performance Tempest: Without a Body.
Described in promotional materials as part dance, part theater and part ceremony, designated High Priest Ponifasio has been touring this “ferocious and awe-inspiring reflection on personal liberty and our current world” to grand theaters across the globe. Drawing imagery and themes from wide-reaching influences that include Paul Klee's painting Angelus Novus, Shakespeare's Tempest, and political philosopher Giorgio Agamben, the renowned New Zealand director and choreographer is said to have created a “hypnotic vision of heaven and hell” with his company of Oceanic cultured artists. Weaving a complex arrangement of knowledge and ritual, the creators evoke a “ruinous landscape of shadow and light [designed by longtime collaborator Helen Todd] into a visually ravishing performance” that seems to speak to the present, past and the future.
Our local presenter has addressed the production so reverently that it is hosting the event off-site, at the historic Million Dollar Theater, built in 1916 by none other than Sid Grauman (of the Egyptian and Chinese Theaters fame).
Click here for a preview and venture across the waters by coming downtown this weekend!!