Albert’s Tarantella Opens the Red Barn with a Bang at the Goldwell Museum Oct 20th, 2007

The Red Barn opened to thunderous applause Saturday night Oct. 20th – both celestial and human. Fifty-mile per hour gusts challenged attendees, hosts and performers, all of whom braved an awesome display of wind and powerful dust storms to be a part of this unusual event. Albert’s Tarantella featured the Cockroach Theatre, Threshold Dance Theater, the art of S.C. Jones, and music from Rodney Leach.

Performed by Cockroach Theater, “The Methuselah Tale” by Jayme McGhan was a dark comedy very suitable for this Halloween-themed event. William Anderson, playing Harris, the toothsome mad inventor, was scarily believable in his quest for a device that would annihilate the troublesome souls of himself and his family. Dana Martin, as Murielle, was the voice of the heart as she coped with life as the wife of Harris, playing old records and longing to dance, and to touch. The character of Jeremy was truly embodied by Thomas Savich, who gave a powerfully physical performance as their troubled son.

The one act play was followed by a resonant dance performed by the Threshold Dance Theater. Opened by the eloquent, tall figure of a man, seemingly troubled and alone, the dance traced the emotional currents introduced by the play. Joined by two women to create an intimate trio, the piece was sensitive without sentimentality, a rarity in its believability and honest touch.

All through the performances, the wind, which gusted up to 50 mph or more, shook the Red Barn’s paneling, adding an unplanned drama to the event. At times, the intrepid actors and dancers paused, letting the moment ring out with sound. Nature, that great theatrical collaborator, was a constant presence.

The smell of chili bubbled along as an undercurrent to these performances. Its source was revealed at the reception following the play and the dance. A selection of luscious eclectic Halloween-themed cupcakes by The Cupcakery, and numerous other goodies, fed audience and performers as they mingled to discuss the evening. Wonderful paintings of horror movie stars by S.C. Jones hung along the walls.

Beginning in 2008, the Red Barn will present monthly art events. Check their website at http://www.goldwellmuseum.org for more information.

Judging from their opening, the Red Barn promises to be an important new venue for experimental art, be it theater, dance, visual or another art form. Seeing art in the backdrop of the extreme of the desert surroundings provides a kind of alkaline canvas against which the human narrative stands out dramatically. And it’s good to feel human sometimes.

Apologies to Rodney Leach – due to the intensity of the wind storms and the journey from San Diego earlier in the day, the authors retired early and missed a performance we had wished to see. Next time!

For more information about Cockroach Theatre: http://www.cockroachtheatre.com

For more information about Threshold Dance: http://www.thresholddance.org

Source: DesertUSA

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