Photo by RJ Muna
As if the Ai Wei Wei @Large exhibit on Alcatraz Island wasn't something unique in itself, news comes now of additional special events, including an ODC/Dance one-night only "site-specific movement installation" as part of the Sept. 26 opening night celebration, which runs 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Speaking Volumes is a collaboration between ODC Artistic Director/Founder Brenda Way, photographer/filmmaker RJ Muna, ODC Co-Artistic Director KT Nelson, and ODC Associate Choreographer Kimi Okada. The work explores issues of censorship, constraint and freedom, extolling values of resilience and the enduring power of expression. Way says:
My work has always been tinged with a political consciousness, whether concerning global warming, urban sprawl or expanded ideas about gender capacity. It is invigorating in this case to take part in an international response to the repression of human imagination and intelligence. I am energized and honored to join artistic hands around the globe.
As far as attendance is concerned, there are a few problems, the lesser one is to get over to the island and be dressed sufficiently to deal with the cold and wind; the bigger one is that opening-night ticket pricesbegin at $1,000, and I am not sure how high they go.
It is a benefit, for a number of fine organizations, including FOR-SITE, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and project collaborators Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. For the run of the exhibit, tickets are $30, with discounts for youth, seniors, and families.