Apolaki: Opera of the Scorched Earth
| Date | 02.18.23 |
| Time | 3pm–5pm |
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| Admission | Free |
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| 02.16.23 | Five Things to Catch at OUTsider Fest by James Scott (Austin Chronicle) |
Continuing her mission to celebrate and center precolonial mythologies of the Philippines, Soprano and Sound Artist Micaela Tobin presents a preview of her upcoming experimental opera. APOLAKI tells the story of the God of Sun and War, as a means to discuss larger issues of settler colonialism, decolonization, diaspora, immigration, and climate change.
This installation performance features an interactive walking labyrinth designed by Carlo Maghirang, activated by movement artist Jay Carlon as the god Apolaki, with live music by Adam Starkopf and Micaela Tobin. This performance is a preview of the full-scale opera, which will premiere in Los Angeles in Summer of 2023.
Jay Carlon is a queer Filipinx American contemporary dance artist and community organizer based between LA and NYC. He is committed to connecting his art practice to sustainability and his personal and collective journey of decolonization. He is co-manager and educator of homeLA’s inSite program, where he is responsible for developing the education curriculum and teaching students site-specific considerations for live performance and film. Carlon was named Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch, and his work has been featured throughout the United States, Mexico, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Jay is associate director of Australian spectacle performance company, SWAY — where he has performed at the 2014 Olympics and the 2018 Super Bowl. Carlon has also performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Bill T. Jones, jumatatu m. poe, The Industry Opera, Oguri, Solange Knowles, Rodrigo y Gabriela; and choreographed works for Kanye West and Mndsgn.
