Moving light sculpture and dance update stories of humanity’s universal struggles
By Alejandra Enciso-Guzmán
California, get your kids ready for a unique opportunity when two timeless tales come to the stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. On May 17 and 18 Lightwire Theater (New Orleans based) will bring its unique method of storytelling through its signature electroluminescent puppetry. The beloved characters in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling and Aesop’s fable The Tortoise and the Hare are transformed by the cutting edge technology.
These two performances follow Lightwire Theater’s recent breakout success on America’s Got Talent where they received accolades from the judges and audiences. The production at the Segerstrom Center promises stunning imagery, compelling choreography and stirring music. As I mentioned in the piece regarding Alvin Ailey Dance Company, these types of performances are not around every day; it is indeed a great opportunity to have fun with the family and see new forms of artistic expression.
This program is part of the Family Series and is possible thanks to the Segerstrom Center’s Education and Community Programs Department. This department offers a variety of programs to students from elementary school through the university level, teachers, arts administrators and individuals who simply want to broaden their own experiences but not in a structure that is strictly academic.
The popular Family Series engages, enchants and inspires youngsters with the magic of live performance. International artists combine music, dance and theater that can be enjoyed by the entire family, creating experiences that instill an appreciation for the arts and create lifelong memories.
These programs achieve two especially important objectives. First, they develop the audiences of the future. Second, they integrate the arts into the standard curriculum and enhance learning, creative thinking, cognitive and social skills. The Education and Community Programs Department works hand-in-hand with a number of boards of education, providing support and assistance to ensure the success and effectiveness of the Center’s programs.
There will be free pre-show creative play activities beginning one hour before each performance. “The Center’s Education and Community Programs Department offers these activities to provide young people and their families more opportunities to play creatively together. Studies show creative play is critical in helping children develop their ability to think and problem solve” explained Scalla Jakso, Segerstrom Publicist.
Ian and Eleanor Carney founded Lightwire Theater and, in conjunction with Corbian Visual Arts and Dance, began pre-production on their first project, The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare, in January 2011. Using Corbian’s signature electroluminescent puppetry, Lightwire Theater has adapted these two classic tales for the stage.
Stephen Charles Nicholson, after relocating from New York City to New Orleans for the first Darwin tour (2009), continues his involvement with Corbian Visual Arts and Dance as well as Lightwire Theater.
The performances are recommended for children ages 4 – 8. Tickets are $20.
To purchase online please visit: www.SCFTA.org or by calling (714) 556-2787.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located in 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.
Alejandra Enciso Guzmán is an arts consultant and reporter in both Tijuana and San Diego. @Riselah / @Riselaheng
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