May 8, 2008
Oko Jumu at Ballet Austin
Ballet Austin will be the venue of choice for a presentation of avant garde visuals, performance and music its organizers are calling Oko Jumu, “the name that the Andamanese call a person that has either come near death, spent time alone in the jungle to talk with spirits, or talked to spirits in a dream," according to a tome by the symbolism-obsessed Joseph Campbell.
Oko Jumu organizer Tom Grzinich, also a performer, says “I’m hoping that this evening is a form of each artist's attempt to expand the ordinary mindset allowed by their past experiences in taking risks.” To that end, the three acts of the evening are unified by that philosophy but separate in approach.
Bulbs are comprised of guitarist Jon Almaraz and percussionist William Sabiston, and the duo make interlocking, sometimes weirdly beautiful tracks. Video artist Scott Stark will present his film W shot on super-8mm film and which utilizes three projectors to broadcast visuals and “sensual sounds.” Perhaps alluding to the latter, parental discretion is advised for this performance.
Last, self-described sound artist Tom Grzinich promises to smash a car outside of the theater, something called “piano soup,” and a cluster of audio experiments. While it's not your typical night at the ballet, Oko Jumu should be an interesting evening out on the town.
Oko Jumu: [website]
Bulbs: [website]
Scott Stark: [website]
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