BLUE13 DANCE COMPANY led by Artistic Director, ACHINTA S. McDANIEL, and Associate Artistic Director, Arun Mathai, will present the world premiere of FIRE & POWDER, a modern day dance theatre adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story in which the rival houses of Hip-Hop Capulets battle Bollywood Montagues. The tale of star-crossed lovers is told through contemporary Indian dance, hip-hop, Bhangra, break dance and tap set to a rousing soundtrack including live drumming by Dhol Nation, modern rock and Bollywood hits, and original music written by composers from around the globe. This fiercely energetic new show, featuring over 20 dancers, will be presented on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. at the John Anson Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, Hollywood, CA 90068.
The production will feature original choreography by Achinta S. McDaniel and by guest hip-hop choreographer, Sara VonGillern (So You Think You Can Dance) underscored by original music written by composers, DJ Persyst, Plum feat, Evan Roman, Tej Gill, Benjamin Kelley and Adam Conrad. Other music includes Bollywood hits and music by The White Stripes. Achinta S. McDaniel had this to say about the creation of this new show: "The connection between Bollywood and hip-hop is so great, and was such a natural path for Blue13 to take in FIRE & POWDER. Both are cultures including music, dance, fashion, and beyond, with varied traditions and pasts. Both are huge umbrellas for movement genres falling within each, from b-boying and popping and wacking in hip-hop to classical Indian and Bhangra seen in Bollywood. What strings them together for us as dancers and choreographers is the contemporary undercurrent, and the telling of the story: our homage toRomeo & Juliet with the 'wrong side of the tracks' sensibility of West Side Story. Rival gangs characterized by Bollywood versus hip-hop just came to me as an obvious choice in FIRE & POWDER'S inception. Working collaboratively with Sara VonGillern, who is just a gorgeous contemporary and hip-hop choreographer, has been a great fit. Workshopping in the studio with all of the dancers has been a truly collaborative environment as well, using everyone's individual strengths to create a strong and beautiful production. The seemingly clashing genres are a perfect match for us! From whirling upside down b-boys to flirty Bollywood snippets to emotional modern pieces, this show really has something for everyone. Oh, and don't forget the amazing music!"The Ford Theatres are located at 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, Hollywood, CA 90068, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. The grounds open two hours before show time for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink. The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request.
On-site stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening shows and FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford, is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Boulevard and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle, which cycles every 15-20 minutes, stops in the "kiss and ride" area. This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2013 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the theater and parking information, log on to www.fordtheatres.org.Photos by Anne Slattery
Achinta S. McDaniel as Rosaline
Arun Mathai as Romeo and Heather McManama as Mercutio
Capulet Family Portrait
Dre Jackson as Lady Montague
Heather McManama as Mercutio
Jon Paul as Paris
Key Artwork
Montague Family Portrait
Rieka Toya as Sister Montague
Sara VonGillern as Tybalt
Videos