New Original Works Festival: Lux Boreal, Rodney Mason and Luyten, Alker & Leabhart July 20, 2007

July 19–21, 2007
NEW ORIGINAL WORKS FESTIVAL 2007
Program One

The 4th annual NOW Festival encourages risk and invention to foster new and hybrid performance works. Artists from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tijuana approach the stage with investigative vision and an interdisciplinary spirit, bending traditions to generate inspiring new experimental dance, theater and music.

Thomas Leabhart, Elke Luyten and Kira Alker: A Little of More
Renowned director Thomas Leabhart and his collaborators draw on the purifying Shaker rituals of trembling, dancing, singing and shaking to create a richly detailed work of individual struggle and metaphysical transcendence. Interweaving story, hymn and the deeply embodied movement theater traditions of Étienne Decroux, they create a work that is spare, elemental and, at its core, universal.

"Intensive theatre built on movement, unusual balance and pulsating energy … the truth of the body and the truth of sweat" Gazeta Robotnicza (Poland)

Lux Boreal Danza Contemporánea
Through fierce dancing and elegant imagery, the Tijuana-based company led by Angel Arambula and Henry Torres has quickly made its mark at festivals throughout Latin America. Their latest project builds on their distinctive repertoire—work that is sharp, urban, exciting and that "hypnotizes the viewer with its force and determination." (Noroeste).

"Combining contemporary dance, social awareness and Mexican culture to thrilling effect." San Diego Union Tribune

Rodney Mason: My Mother's Son
A hip-hop theater blend of spoken word, dance and humorous video examines Mason's early life in the South Philadelphia projects, his struggles with a family curse and the consuming world of Hollywood. The Bessie Award-winning artist's follow-up to Origins of Man introduces B-boy "Duck Butt Baby" and rapper Gansta Pimple, along with a sideshow lineup of Mason's family members.

"An eloquent poet of word and movement, a hip-hop character fluid, furious and always true to the beat." New York Dance and Performance Awards

Complete 2007 NOW Festival Schedule

Official Website: http://redcat.org/season/0607/the/now.php