The McCallum Theatre Institute (MTI), education division of the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts, welcomes New York-based storyteller David Gonzalez as part of its Aesthetic Education Program.
David Gonzalez will appear in MytholoJazz at the McCallum Theatre on Wednesday, February 4th at 9:30 and 11 am, and in The Frog Bride on Thursday, February 5 at 9:30 and 11 am. In addition, Gonzalez and pianist Daniel Kelly will be performing MytholoJazz at Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Carrillo Ranch, Harry S. Truman, and Dr. Carreon Elementary Schools on February, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th. The Institute is delighted to bring the work of David Gonzalez into the lives of Coachella Valley students.
The Aesthetic Education Program, a discovery-based program launched by MTI in 1998 and developed in partnership with Lincoln Center Institute in New York City and valley schools, offers teachers and students unique opportunities to engage with works of art in the disciplines of dance, theatre, music and visual arts. The MytholoJazz performances in local schools are part of MTI's 3rd Grade Project - an aesthetic education driven project developed in partnership with Desert Sands Unified School District, serving all 3rd grade teachers and students. Prior to seeing the performance, students explore the work in experiential workshops facilitated by professional artists on MTI's faculty of teaching artists.
160 teachers partner with the Institute in this year's Aesthetic Education Program allowing 4,700 students in 28 different schools, opportunities to closely investigate two different works of art as part of their curriculum.
In MytholoJazz, David Gonzalez includes his interpretations of the Greek myth, Orpheus and Eurydice, and the Korean story, The Three Whiskers of the Lion. MytholoJazz adds a musical twist to Greek myth as Gonzalez conjures a jazz-infused narrative in which Orpheus scat sings, swings and serenades his way through the ordeals of the underworld in search of his beloved Eurydice. Themes of innocence, bliss, struggle, redemption, loss and artistic courage run through this production.
The Three Whiskers of the Lion is a poignant Korean story of a stepmother's difficult but rewarding journey from ignorance to compassion experienced in building a new family. Gonzalez's version is peppered with sassy street vernacular and modern-day references that make this ancient tale come vividly to life for contemporary youngsters. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
