The KarmetiK Machine Orchestra, under the direction of music faculty Ajay Kapur and theater faculty Michael Darling, performs a new work, Samsara, at REDCAT on April 12-13.
The ensemble, which incorporates custom-built robotic musical instruments and human performers, presents a world premiere of the story of rebirth through the musical interpretations of several traditional Indian fables.
Through music, dance, theater and technology, the piece features special guest artists including kinetic sculptor and musician Trimpin, interactive electronic performers Curtis Bahn and Tomie Hahn, choreographer Raakhi Kapur and animator Jason Jahnke (Film/Video BFA 11).
From KarmetiK:
In this paradigm-shifting performance, brilliant musicmakers are allied with fantastical robotic instruments to invoke “samsara”—the Sanskrit concept of the cycle of birth, life, death, and reincarnation—as the KarmetiK Machine Orchestra offers musical interpretations of several traditional Indian fables drawn from the Panchatantra and the Jataka Tales. Musicians, electromechnical instruments, dancers, and multiple speakers are dispersed in and around the audience for this “rebirth” of ancient morality tales in the technologically ingenious 21st century.
To learn more about the KarmetiK Machine Orchestra, visit its site.
Above is a video preview of Samsara. Below is a recording, Tari Topeng Dalem Arsa Wijaya, from a Jan. 27, 2010, KarmetiK concert at REDCAT:
KarmetiK Machine Orchestra: Samsara
REDCAT
April 12-13, 8:30 pm
Tickets: General $20, Students $16, CalArts Students/Faculty/Staff $10