Press Releases

Naropa University and SITI Company Pay
Homage to Musical Trailblazer John Cage                                                                                                                      

BOULDER, Colo. (April 18, 2007)— When John Cage (1912-92) composed a piece, he often left traditional theories of music behind, instead looking to Zen Buddhism and classic Eastern texts such as the "I Ching" for his artistic philosophy. In honor of this experimental composer, Naropa's MFA Theater: Contemporary Performance Program and the New York-based SITI Company will collaborate for three showings of "23 Seconds About John Cage (A Multidisciplinary Dharma)."

Described as an episodic journey through the works of Cage, the performance acknowledges his application of Buddhist teachings and psychology to the creation of post-modern art. Part installation, part concert and part multi-media play, the performance will use Cage's words, his aesthetic concepts and fragments of documentary media from his life.

Leon Ingulsrud, Barney O'Hanlon and designer Brian Scott, guest artists from SITI Company, will create the show in collaboration with MFA students. Master teachers of the Suzuki Method of Actor Training and Viewpoints, both Ingulsrud and O'Hanlon utilize virtuosic physicality, emotional commitment and visual acuity to evoke powerful performances. Naropa graduate students--with their training in physical acting, vocal techniques and dance--bring a repertoire of interdisciplinary skills to any event.

Naropa University's MFA Theater: Contemporary Performance Program was founded in 2004 and regularly hosts international artists who collaborate in its productions while instructing students. This "co-created curriculum," with an emphasis on originality and ensemble work, often blurs the lines of categorization.

Founded in 1992, SITI Company aims to "redefine and revitalize contemporary theater in the United States through an emphasis on international cultural exchange and collaboration."

"23 Seconds About John Cage" will be held in the Black Box Theater, located within the University of Colorado's ATLAS Center for Arts, Media and Performance. Tickets will be available two weeks prior to the show through the Boulder Theater Box Office or online at www.bouldertheater.com. To view rehearsal photographs, please visit www.naropa.edu/academics/graduate/maperformarts/guestartists.cfm.

Dates and Times:            May 2 at 8 p.m.
                                      May 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Ticket Prices:                    $15 general admission
                                        $10 students and seniors


Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education.  This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.