The Odyssey Continued...
The saga
of Odysseus takes place on an enormous 58 foot wide stage,
complete with a thousand-gallon “sea,” a colossal
Rube Goldberg style system of stairs, ramps and chutes, and
four gigantic Greek gods, personified as 35-foot-tall welded
sculptures by Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito, which interact
with the human performers. Recreating the elements of
water, wind, fire, steam and light required a massive production
crew, and included members from the Oakland Fire Department, Kinetic Steam Works.
The Odyssey tells the story of the
Greek hero Odysseus and his long journey home following the
fall of Troy. Odysseus
and his crew are both protected and besieged by the gods
throughout their voyage. Athena, goddess of wisdom
and fire, protects them, but Poseidon, god of the sea, sends
a storm to put them off course and into a confrontation with
his son, the Cyclops (played by Jonathan Youtt in
an 11-foot tall puppet suit). Aeolus, god of the
wind, assists Odysseus by giving him the gift of the wind,
but his crew squanders the gift and they become entranced
by the witch-goddess Circe until Hermes, messenger of the
gods (portrayed by aerialist Benn Mendoza),
provides a potion that frees Odysseus from her spell. The
travelers continue on their journey, narrowly escaping the
underworld and an encounter with the Sirens (performed
by The Neykia). With Athena’s
continued aid, Odysseus finally arrives home and is reunited
with the loyal Penelope. |
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Karen Fox as Athena
Photo by TheBlight.net |
As part of
their commitment to the West Oakland community, The Crucible
provided 600 complimentary tickets to youth and adult members
of the community, making good on their commitment to make art
accessible to all. And on the last night of the Fire
Arts Festival, a special benefit fundraiser, Fire & Light
Art Auction Soirée, was held to further benefit the
arts and community programs at The Crucible. Donors attending
the Fire & Light Art Auction Soirée enjoyed fine
wines and fiery appetizers, dined among flaming sculptures
while aerial dancers performed overhead, and bid on extraordinary
art at the annual art auction.
More Photos » |
