Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
REDCAT's 8th Season Begins Thursday, and with a Visual Splash
courtesy of the artist, Sardono Kusumo
courtesy of the artist, Sardono Kusumo
Our local home for adventurous theater, dance, music and combinations thereof, REDCAT begins its eighth season of presenting new and daring performance work this weekend with the international dance and lighting spectacular, Rain Coloring Forest. A collaboration between Indonesian visionary dance artist Sardono W. Kusumo and renowned American lighting designer Jennifer Tipton, the evening length work runs for only four performances at the downtown venue.Described as an evocative multimedia event, the piece includes five of Sardono's dancers, composer David Rosenboom’s original electronic score, and video/animation by Maureen Selwood. Based on a collection of Sardono’s 30-foot-tall paintings inspired by "Tankas" (sacred Tibetan scrolls), Tipton masterfully transforms them into a compelling and evolving visual environment.
According to the promotional materials, within this dynamic context, Sardono Kusumo’s “movements and sensations organically extend and translate into visuals--oil paint melting, drifting, spreading and flowing naturally on the canvas.” Multi-dimensional images are said to suggest ancient and contemporary experiences, ritual and personal quests. The choreographer, himself, says he dances "as a man who has lost or been uprooted from his own culture.”
Doesn’t sound like anything I’ve seen before and, therefore, that much more enticing! I have been aware of Tipton’s work for a long time and know it to be rich, bold and transcendent. She works with the best in theater, dance and all things that need light to exist. The Jakartan dancer is described as “widely revered for [an] artistry that transcends traditional performance or visual disciplines.”
So, let's start the new season off with something completely new and different and brace ourselves for the exciting year ahead!
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
