"The Collective Memory Project" at the Ford Theatres / Image courtesy of Arianne MacBean and the Big Show Company
After a three-year upgrade in all aspects of the theatrical experience at this 1920s-created outdoor hillside site, the Los Angeles County-owned Ford Theatres presents the world premiere of Arianne MacBean and the Big Show Company’s “The Collective Memory Project” this Thursday and Friday, June 28-29, at 8:30 p.m.
Inspired by 13 Memory Movement Workshops held with local U.S. military veterans, the evening-length dance-theater piece explores the effects of memory, its relation to time and how it impacts the present — both good and bad.
Performed with the audience on the stage, viewers will contribute to the collective memory being created at the moment. Therefore, each performance is a unique event.
The Ford Theatres’ IGNITE @ the Ford series, The Big Show Co. and LA-based Veterans in Media and Entertainment have collaborated to create scripts drawn from the aforementioned memory-writing workshops. Movement was also developed from those meetings. Presented in several in-progress states at various locations over the past three years, this week’s performances are the culmination of a multi-year initiative.
The Big Show Co. has performed throughout the Southland, as well as in San Francisco and New York City. MacBean is an adjunct faculty member at several colleges and universities and facilitates memory-writing workshops at as part of the Women’s Empowerment Group at Casa Treatment Center in Pasadena, a facility for women undergoing treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
Location: 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood 90068
Parking: On site, stacked. $12 per vehicle. Carpool and save: three or more people per vehicle save $5 on parking. A free shuttle to the Ford services the Universal City/Studio City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga. The Ford shuttle stops in the “kiss and ride” area and cycles every 20 minutes. For non-stacked off-site parking, a free shuttle services the parking structure located at 3330 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA 90068; parking is $14, cash only.
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