‘Synesthesia’ fuses music, light, sound and dance

‘Synesthesia’ fuses music, light, sound and dance
Innovative show kicks off Rice Theatre 2008-09 season

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

Live music, sound, lighting and visual performances will kick off Rice University Theatre Program’s new season in “Synesthesia,” 8 p.m. Aug. 14-16 in Hamman Hall. Designed and directed by Matthew Schlief, “Synesthesia” will feature original music compositions performed by Two Star Symphony, Houston’s most unusual string ensemble. Admission is free and first-come seating begins at 7:30 p.m.

MATTHEW SCHLIEF

A fusion of light and sound, “Synesthesia” will include two never-before heard compositions by Two Star Symphony inspired by visual imagery provided by Schlief. The production will also feature Genevieve Durham, head of dance at Texas Tech University, who will perform her original choreography accompanying one of the new music compositions.

Schlief is Rice Theatre’s production manager and lecturer in visual and dramatic arts. His most recent project was the lighting design for West Virginia Public Theatre’s summer season, where he designed “Dreamgirls,” “Forever Plaid,” “West Side Story” and “Urban Cowboy.” Schlief served as an assistant professor of communications and scenic, lighting and sound designer at Augusta State University.

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Mark your calendar for “Synesthesia” and other upcoming events Two Star Symphony includes Jerry Ochoa, violin; Debra Brown, violin; Jo Bird, viola/toy piano; and Margaret Lejeune, cello/harp. The extended orchestra includes Chris Bakos, bass; Cathy Power, marimba/percussion; Kirk Suddreath, percussion; and John Duboise, clarinet. The group brings together an eclectic variety of music styles, including gypsy, rock, hip-hop, metal, classical and electronic for a new take on classical music.

Durham is a Texas-based choreographer, teacher and performer. Her choreography has been commissioned by Spelman College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarrant County College, Texas Woman’s University, Atlanta’s Poetics Dance Company and Oklahoma City’s Perpetual Motion. She is currently the head of dance in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas Tech University and received the university’s 2008 Outstanding Professor Award. Durham is an elected representative to the National Board of the American College Dance Festival, sits on the Advisory Board of Ballet Lubbock and is a former panel chair for the Texas Commission on the Arts. 

This production features new technologies in lighting and is co-sponsored by Stagelight Inc. Equipment for the event is being provided by Rosco Laboratories Inc., VARI*LITE, Clay Paky and Selador.

For more information about “Synesthesia” or directions, visit http://theatre.rice.edu/.