The Crucible's Fire Arts Festival July 11, 2007

From July 11 to July 14, The Crucible’s 7th Fire Arts Festival, a spectacular open-air exhibition of fire performance, fire sculpture, and interactive fire art, will be held each evening beginning at 8PM in The Crucible's Fire Arts Arena at Kirkham St. and 7th St. in West Oakland. This year, The Crucible’s annual celebration of creation with fire and light will include the Fire Odyssey, a modernized interpretation of Homer’s epic poem. Blending industrial fire theatre with ballet, opera, hip hop, aerial dance, fire performers, and more, the Fire Odyssey brings together an amazing cast of dancers and performers. Opera singer Aimee Puentes sings the role of Penelope, and Easton Smith, who played Romeo in The Crucible’s production of Romeo & Juliet—A Fire Ballet, returns as Odysseus. Mongolian contortionist Byamba Serchmaa plays Circe; renowned hip-hop troupe Flavor Group plays Odysseus’ men. The acrobatic team of Realis, made up of gold medalists and world champion gymnasts Shenea Booth and Arthur Davis, performs the production’s amazing finale, and legendary songwriter, bandleader, and performance artist Mark Growden provides live music. The stage will include Greek gods, personified as 35-foot-tall welded sculptures by Dan Das Mann, which interact with the human performers.

As part of the Fire Arts Festival, The Crucible is offering special workshops for adults and youth (ages 8 to 18). Classes for adults in welding, blacksmithing, iron casting, woodworking, and more. Classes for youth in welding, glass flameworking, woodcarving, and more.

When
July 11 to 14; 8PM to 12:30AM
Fire Odyssey begins each night at 10PM
Fire & Light Soiree (a benefit dinner & auction): July 14 at 6PM

Ticket Prices:
July 11 & 12 (Wed & Thurs): $35 if purchased on or before June 30; $40 after June 30; $30 for Crucible members.
July 13 & 14: (Fri & Sat) $40 if purchased on or before June 30; $45 after June 30; $35 for Crucible members.
Fire & Light Soiree (a benefit dinner & auction): $250 per person; $2000 for table of ten.
Tickets available online at www.thecrucible.org.

Where: The Crucible’s Fire Arts Arena, Kirkham Street and 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Public info: 510.444.0919

Official Website: http://www.thecrucible.org