Epiphany: The Cycle of Life, the exuberant ode to life from VisionIntoArt and Young People's Chorus of New York, comes to BAM November 4. Context is everything, so get even closer to the production with this curated selection of articles and videos related to the show. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought below and by posting on social media using #EpiphanyCycle.
Program Notes
Epiphany: A Cycle of Life (PDF)
Read
Article
Life Cycles (BAM blog)
Filmmaker Ali Hossaini shares some of the influences and experiences behind Epiphany.
Interview
Paola Prestini with Helena Christensen (Interview Magazine)
The Ephiphany composer and founder of the new venue National Sawdust talks about Julliard, her son, and the ways we listen.
Watch & Listen
Video
"Sara Regina," Netsayi and Black Pressure (YouTube)
Singer Helga Davis (You Us We All, BAM 2015; Einstein on the Beach, BAM 2012) joins Netsayi for this performance in WNYC's Greene Space.
Video
On the Young People's Chorus of New York City (YouTube)
"Nobody reviews YPC and says they're really good for kids," says WNYC's John Shaefer. "They just say they're really good, period."
Video
"The Lotus Eaters" by Sarah Kirkland Snyder (YouTube)
Shara Worden and Signal perform this track from Snyder's song cycle Penelope.
An earlier work by the Epiphany artist explored the idea of science as storytelling.
Now your turn..."Nobody reviews YPC and says they're really good for kids," says WNYC's John Shaefer. "They just say they're really good, period."
Video
"The Lotus Eaters" by Sarah Kirkland Snyder (YouTube)
Shara Worden and Signal perform this track from Snyder's song cycle Penelope.
Video
Ali Hossaini's "Ouroboros" (YouTube)An earlier work by the Epiphany artist explored the idea of science as storytelling.
What did you think of the show? Have life and death been illuminated and, if so, did you go towards the light? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #EpiphanyCycle.
I am thrilled to say that I wish I could have spent an additional hour listening to the fabulous Young People's Chorus of New York City. Let me tell you, these young people can sing! The talented vocalists were accompanied by ACME (American Contemporary Music Ensemble) who played pieces composed by Netsayi Chigwendere (she wrote the libretto), Paola Prestini (libretto by Niloufar Talebi), and Sarah Kirkland Snider (libretto by Nathaniel Bellows.) Prestini's non-profit production company, VisionIntoArt was involved, and the show was developed at 3LD Art & Technology Center. I mention all of these collaborators because when I heard they were involved, I knew this would be a thrilling show. It really was. The music moved me to tears. The staging was spot on and the videos (by Ali Hossaini) worked beautifully. The immersive audience experience was fun (especially when the audience helped plant flowers on stage!) The evening felt like both a community and a spiritual event. The 3D glasses we received were a nice touch, as was the experience of entering the installation beforehand. It felt like it "birthed" me into the performance space. And as always, it's fun to see how changeable the Fishman Space can be.
ReplyDeleteI just loved this show. For an hour/hour and a half while exploring the installation, I felt like I was part of something beautiful, bigger, and connected. The singing was absolutely magical, moving, thought provoking lyrics; and the images, experience was visually stunning as well. It was so cerebral and really made me think. It was truly wonderful; I loved the dancing and it was truly uplifting. I don't think anyone could have done it as well as the Young People's Choir--like angels singing!
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