Bringing its original dance/theater production to the San Gabriel Valley’s historic Sierra Madre Playhouse, Rosanna Gamson/World Wide reprises “Sugar Houses” for only two performances, this Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29, at 7:30 p.m.
Described in promotional materials as “a haunting spin on the Hansel and Gretel fairytale,” the evening-length updated story incorporates original music by Tomasz Krzyżanowski, movement and direction by Gamson and a minimalist set by Tony Shayne. The piece is said to “reflect on abandonment, survival, sibling rivalry and the dark side of human nature.” The six multi-talented performers move, sing and act within hand-drawn chalk sets lit by hand-held flashlights and lanterns.
Having premiered at REDCAT in 2021, the work has toured nationally before now returning to its home base in LA. Collaborating linguist Brian Evenson has created an eerie new language, with bits of German, Yiddish, Turkish and more in the libretto.
Rosanna Gamson/World Wide has been presented internationally, including collaborations with artists in Mexico and Poland. The company has been supported by local, regional and national public organizations; and Gamson has taught master classes in various locations, as well as regularly right here at CalArts.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
LOCATION:
Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 91024
TICKETS:
$12-$35
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=260005
INFO:
https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/calendar
Photo courtesy of Sierra Madre playhouse