Artelize - A Cultural Kaleidoscope: Exploring Diverse Performances at UCLA
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A Cultural Kaleidoscope: Exploring Diverse Performances at UCLA

UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance presents an exhilarating lineup of events featuring renowned artists and performers from around the globe. From Eiko Otake and Wen Hui's dance reflection to Quetzal's rich musical tapestry, each event promises a unique cultural experience. Highlights include Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol's exploration of Central America's narrative, Cécile McLorin Salvant's vocal artistry, and Rianto's contemporary take on traditional Javanese dance. Join us at the UCLA Nimoy Theater to celebrate creativity, resilience, and innovation in performance art.

Apr 17, 2025
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1. Eiko Otake and Wen Hui
Wen Hui (b.1960) is Chinese and currently working in Europe. She grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution. Eiko Otake (b.1952) is Japanese and lives in New York. She grew up in post-war Japan. Both are female performers/choreographers and filmmakers.
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Apr 17, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

2. Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol
Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol is a flock of artists. Their latest project, Centroamérica unfolds from the compelling story of a Nicaraguan woman fleeing Daniel Ortega's dictatorship, sparking a deep dive into the region's heart. This project, encapsulating a play and a publication, explores Central America's rich tapestry and Mexico's overlooked connection to it. Through historical insights and a narrative centered on the present, we unveil the diversity, conflict, and resilience of these distant neighbors. From the Darien Gap's dense jungles to militarized borders influenced by the US, the project reflects on shared futures, revolutions, and the relentless spirit of its people. Join us in reimagining Central America beyond its stigmas and premonitions.
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Apr 26, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

3. Quetzal - School Matinee Performance
Called “one of LA’s most important bands,” by the Los Angeles Times, Grammy Award winning ensemble Quetzal forges a distinctive, multi-ethnic sound that blends Mexican, Afro-Cuban, rock, and jazz influences, with songs that tell musical stories rooted in the complex cultural currents of life in the barrio. The artists and scholars that make up Quetzal are known as leaders and innovators of Chicano music, and a vital cross-border link between artistic and activist communities in both Mexico and California.
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May 2, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

4. Quetzal
Described as “one of L.A.’s most important bands,” by the Los Angeles Times, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Quetzal was founded by Chicano rock guitarist Quetzal Flores and joined by lead singer, percussionist and songwriter Martha Gonzalez. Forging a distinctive, multi-ethnic sound that blends Mexican, Afro-Cuban, rock and jazz influences, Quetzal creates songs that tell musical stories rooted in the complex cultural currents of life in the barrio, social activism and a strong feminist stance. Quetzal has graced stages across the US, Canada, Asia and Mexico for nearly twenty six years and continues to model how music, culture, and sociopolitical ideology come together on and off the stage.
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May 3, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

5. Cécile McLorin Salvant
Discover the multi-faceted world of Cécile McLorin Salvant, an artist whose talents span composition, vocal performance, and visual art. Lauded by the legendary Jessye Norman for her “unique voice” and deep musicality, Salvant captivates audiences by weaving together the rich tapestries of vaudeville, blues, jazz, baroque, and folk music. Her gift for storytelling shines through in her exploration of powerful narratives, forgotten songs, and cultural connections.
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May 8, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · University of California, Los Angeles

6. Miguel Gutierrez
Super Nothing, a new dance performance from internationally recognized choreographer Miguel Gutierrez, is an exploration of the intersections between art and life, featuring a diverse ensemble of performers from New York and Los Angeles, including Jay Carlon (L.A.), Justin Faircloth (NYC), Wendell Gray (NYC) and Evelyn Sanchez (L.A.).
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9 - 10 May, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

7. Celebrating Pierre Boulez 1925-2025
Celebrate the centennial of Pierre Boulez, the unparalleled French composer, conductor, and cultural visionary, with a captivating duo piano recital. Born on March 26, 1925, Boulez transformed post-war contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the 20th century. His extensive conducting career and foundational role in institutions like Paris's Cité de la Musique and IRCAM highlight his monumental influence.
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May 30, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

8. Rianto
Indonesian choreographer and dancer Rianto presents Medium, an exploration of the Central Javanese Lengger dance, a traditional, cross-gender form rich in history and spiritual depth. Taught by masters, Rianto brings this ancient dance into contemporary light, challenging binary opposites and exploring the spaces between genders, customs, and spiritual states. Medium emerges as a profound narrative of freedom, derived from "elinga ngger" — a call to awareness and memory.
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Jun 7, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

Conclusion
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance offers a captivating array of events this season, each presenting unique perspectives and artistic expressions. From thought-provoking dance performances to moving musical narratives, these events foster cultural understanding and celebrate artistic diversity. It is an opportunity to experience the power of performance art in reflecting and shaping societal narratives. We invite you to join us in exploring these rich cultural tapestries at the UCLA Nimoy Theater.
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