This year’s series includes Los Angeles-based artists Critical Mass Performance Group and Rogue Artists Ensemble.
The Villa Theater Lab features outstanding artists or ensembles presenting “in process” public presentations of new work rooted in classic literature or culture. Each team of artists-in-residence is provided with time, space, and production support by the Museum—both during and in advance of the period of residency—allowing far broader and deeper experimentation than would a traditional play-reading format.
The 2012 series kicks off with Critical Mass Performance Group, Friday–Sunday, February 17–19. Their latest work-in-progress, An Alcestis Project, explores ancient myths of the faithful wife who descends to the realm of the dead. Under the direction of Nancy Keystone, the project takes its name from the Greek heroine Alcestis, a queen and mother who volunteers to die in place of her husband. Drawing on a long history of interpretation by dramatists, poets, and composers of opera, Keystone and Critical Mass Performance Group present the first draft of their mythic research.
In March, the season continues with Rogue Artists Ensemble and their presentation of Songs of Bilitis, Friday–Sunday, March 23–25. In 1894, the alleged discovery of a large cache of exquisite erotic poetry by an ancient Greek courtesan named Bilitis electrified the world of classical studies. One of the great literary hoaxes of history, “Bilitis” was the creation of a desperate and obscure French novelist—yet “her” passionate poetry remains in print today, inspiring this new work by the acclaimed Los Angeles mask and puppet troupe Rogue Artists Ensemble. These March work-in-progress performances feature erotic imagery and explicit nudity and are therefore recommended for adult audiences only.
The Villa’s theater programs are part of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s broad spectrum of public programming and events. Live performances of classical and classically based drama offer insight into the social, cultural, and political realities of life in Ancient Greece and Rome, while the Museum’s permanent collection of ancient art and changing exhibitions deepen the connection between modern audiences and the tragedies and comedies onstage.
All performances take place in the Auditorium at the Getty Villa. Tickets are $7 and available by calling (310) 440–7300. Reservations are required for all performances.