LUMA Theater's ART OF DARKNESS Set for Jorgensen, 4/27

LUMA Theater will create a "TechnoCircus" for all ages at Jorgensen in "Art of Darkness," Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 2 p.m. In dramatic fashion, LUMA paints the story of human enlightenment through various physical disciplines and high-tech luminous objects. Get in the mood for light to be shed on your imagination by attending a pre-show celebration, with fun and games for all ages, at 1 p.m.

Marlin, LUMA's artistic director and creator, says his inspiration for the work grew out of a fascination with astronomy, physics and ever-increasing light pollution. LUMA explores the human relationship to the dark and how our fear of it has chased away the night by creating a "false day," eliminating our view of the stars and the heavens.

Seven cast members employ dance, movement and music to travel through the story of light, written by Marlin in Haiku and Limerick with chapter titles ranging from "Swooning Moon" and "Firefly Encounter" to "Helter-Skelter Headlights," "Darker Side of Light" and the critically acclaimed "Aurora." Marlin has been developing this work since 1986.

The author, cartoonist and toy inventor (Slingerzz) ran away to join the circus when he was 18, wanting to be a clown, but tending elephants instead before becoming a juggler. Fifteen years later he left the buzz of society to live in a jungle tree house for five years without electricity. What better way to study light and its absence.

"Art of Darkness" is choreographed by Melissa Staroszik, a Canadian champion gymnast, dancer and aerialist who has appeared with Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas. The musical score is written by Michael Rapp.

Jorgensen was named Best College/University Performing Arts Center in the Hartford Advocate Best of Hartford Readers' Poll for 2013 and 2012.

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Ticket prices are $16 for adults and $14 for children 18 and under. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient, free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.