Cynossema: A Dirge from the Dog’s Tomb

SCHEDULE:
7 p.m.: Welcome at the Hecuba statue in the USC Village, followed by procession to Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall
7:30 p.m.: Performance and panel at Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall

ADMISSION:
Admission is free.

RSVP

DESCRIPTION:
Mystical sound storyteller and opera composer O-Lan Jones and her multidisciplinary company Overtone Industries are joining forces with the theatre company By The Souls Of Our Feet to create a theatre experience that explores the roots of the Hecuba myth that is personified by the iconic 20-foot statue of the Queen of Troy in the USC Village.

Incorporating live music using the ancient Greek Olympos’ pentatonic scale and exploring a mother’s grief-stricken revenge, Cynossema: A Dirge from the Dog’s Tomb tells a story of rage, power, misogyny, immense grief, and, ultimately, catharsis and healing that vibrates with impactful relevance today. The unique, one-time event will begin at the statue of Hecuba and proceed to Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall for an unforgettable performance. 

A conversation with the new-yet-ancient opera’s creators and performers, and special guests including Christopher Slatoff, the sculptor of USC’s Hecuba statue, will follow.

Related event:
Cynossema: Movement and Vocal Workshop
Thursday, April 6, at 3 p.m.
Physical Education Building, PED 207
For more info, click HERE. 
USC students will have the opportunity to take part in in a theatrical workshop led by O-Lan Jones. All current students are welcome, no experience is necessary, and attendees will be invited to perform in the procession to Cynossema: A Dirge from the Dog’s Tomb.

Bios:
By The Souls Of Our Feet was founded in 2013 by USC School of Dramatic Arts students who, after the invigorating catharsis and connection of Serpentine Pink, their inaugural production, formed a theatre collective hell-bent on creating visceral and poetic theatre experiences.

O-Lan Jones is an award-winning composer, sound designer, writer, and actress who has been involved in experimental theatre, music, and opera since the age of 16. As artistic director of Overtone Industries, she creates original stories, composes, and writes lyrics for its productions, and directs, choreographs, and builds the entire visions for her operas.

O-Lan Jones founded Overtone Industries in 1980 to develop and present new music theatre and multidisciplinary operas that bring vivid, original stories and myths to life. Its awards include the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award for Original Score, the Dramalogue Award for Best Overall Production, the Ovation Award for Best Costumes, and two Emmy Awards for Best Original Score and Design.

Sculptor Christopher Slatoff teaches at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and lectures and teaches workshops at the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. He is also the sculpture chairman of the California Art Club and artist in residence at Fuller Theological Seminary. In the summers, he teaches in Orvieto, Italy, as part of Fuller’s Art and Theology Master’s Program. 

Presented by USC Visions and Voices. Organized by Sabina Zúñiga Varela (Dramatic Arts).