Merce Cunningham Dance Company eyeSpace $38-$66 May 19, 2007

$38-$66

7:00 PM – Samueli Theater
Bonnie Brooks
Dance Department Chair, Columbia College Chicago
“How to Watch a Cunningham Concert: Eight Entry Points and Three Exit Strategies”

Join dance scholar Bonnie Brooks as she presents the core concepts of the Cunningham Aesthetic in an informal lecture/demonstration that will demystify the Cunningham aesthetic for the newest audience members and deepen the experience for those who have seen the company in the past.

8:00 PM – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Merce Cunningham Dance Company performs an Event in the new Concert Hall. To celebrate this new space, the company creates a 30-minute, site specific performance. Musicians John King and William Winant will provide the sound component.

8:30 PM – Plaza Courtyard- ‘Beach Birds for Camera’
Adjacent to the new Richard Serra sculpture, view one of Merce Cunningham’s most important film dances, Beach Birds for Camera (1993, directed by Eliot Caplan), projected onto the wall of the Segerstom Hall at a majestic scale never seen before. The score will be performed live by John King, Stephan Moore, William Winant and Michael Dauphinais. While watching, visit one of the iPod stations to pick up your iPod Shuffle before you enter the next venue, Segerstrom Hall.

9:00 PM – Segerstrom Hall
The Merce Cunningham Dance Company performs Merce’s latest work, eyeSpace in the West Coast Premiere. Mikel Rouse has created an innovative score that incorporates the use of iPod Shuffles,
digitally sampled sounds of John Cage’s prepared piano, and an environmental soundscape that will be performed live by MCDC musicians and projected throughout the theater. Decor and
costumes are by Brooklyn-based painter Henry Samelson.

9:30 PM – Plaza Courtyard— ‘Playground-MinEvent’
It’s a “Happening!’ Return your iPod to the iPod Stations in the Plaza Courtyard and immerse yourself in ‘Playground – MinEvent; a one-of-a-kind Multi-Media Experience especially created just for tonight and just for you. This MinEvent will transform the Plaza Courtyard with dynamic projections, LIVE Cameras, music DJs, moving lights, and a cast of student dancers.
“Playground-MinEvent’’ is being created as a youthful Orange County 'response' to the ground-breaking work of Merce Cunningham and avant-garde composer, John Cage. Performers include UCI Dance students under the direction of Cunningham alumnus Michael Cole, plus student musicians/DJs, video artists and camera operators from Chapman University and Cal State Fullerton – all to create an Interactive LIVE Video/Soundscape full of surprises.

The legendary dance innovator returns with an unforgettable and not-to-be missed dance event to celebrate The Center’s expanded campus. A special work created just for the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall starts the evening. Following intermission, the audience and the company move to Segerstrom Hall for a truly unique performance, featuring music available on iPod® personal listening devices.

Free Preview talk at 7pm. Evening also includes a showing of the film Beach Birds for Camera with live music on the Plaza.

(iPod® Shuffles available for loan at the performance)

FOR THOSE WHO DO OWN iPODS:
Those who already own iPods are encouraged to bring them to the show. With a ticket purchase, audience members are eligible to download, gratis, 5 of the International Cloud Atlas tracks via the MCDC website. After downloading the songs, they can put them on their iPods and bring them to use during the performance of eyeSpace. The MCDC website provides clear instructions on the music downloading process.

If you wish to download the music for your performance of eyeSpace go to www.merce.org/p/eyespaceorangecounty and follow the on screen instructions.

*Due to the nature of this event, you will be able to select seating for the beginning performance in the Renée and Henry Concert Hall. Comparable seating will be assigned in Segerstrom Hall. All tickets will be mailed in the same envelope. If you would like to choose the seats in Segerstrom Hall, please place your order through the Box Office or Phones at (714) 556-2787 and our operators will assist you.

Official Website: http://www.merce.org/p/eyespaceorangecounty/