Événement

SPIRIT

Enter into the open expanse of the Temple of Spirit and immerse yourself in the paradox of Center and Circumference. SPIRIT transcends the body and touches the soul, taking us on a soaring journey in search of our own divinity. With reverence for the ancestors and descendants, we offer an experience that transgresses traditional theatre. Weaving together live world music, virtuoso singing, modern dance, and enlightened storytelling, the ensemble of SPIRIT takes us into mysterious shadow and the bright expanse of possibilities. SPIRIT is the culmination of the Elementals and is conceived and directed by award-winning visionary, Bonnie Cullum. SPIRIT is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Devised with Cullum by the VORTEX's stellar ensemble features Andy Agne (AIR, WATER), Anderson Dear (FIRE, WATER, EARTH), Kira Lumiel (Oceana, Sleeping Beauty), Gabriel Maldonado (AIR, FIRE, WATER, EARTH), Betsy McCann (AIR, FIRE, EARTH), Emerald Mystiek (WATER, EARTH) and Melissa Vogt (FIRE, EARTH). Choreography by Toni Bravo (WATER, EARTH). Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon (AIR, WATER, EARTH). Lighting Design by Jason Amato (AIR, WATER, EARTH). Costume Design by Stephanie Dunbar (Cuchulain). Elemental Altar by Griffon Ramsey (Sleeping Beauty). Stage Management by Tamara L. Farley (AIR, FIRE, WATER, EARTH).

Over the past 25 years, Cullum has created dozens of devised ritual theatre works dedicated to the sacred and divine in nature, goddesses, tricksters, the ocean, and the earth. In recent years, her insight turned to The Elementals: AIR, FIRE, WATER, EARTH. AIR featured dynamic aerial work and heavenly music and received the B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Original Score by Chris Humphrey. FIRE received 2 nights of ritual in The Yard at The VORTEX and plenty of reverence due to the severe drought, burn ban, and Bastrop fires. WATER flooded the stage at The VORTEX every night, singing and dancing through the many faces of water accompanied by a mighty waterfall, and Jason Amato received a B. Iden Payne Award for his magnificent lighting design. EARTH packed tons of dirt into the theatre for the rise of the Warriors of Earth and Toni Bravo received the B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Choreography.

SPIRIT is funded and supported in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, the National Endowment for the Arts, a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, and by the City of Austin Economic Development Department/Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin's future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.