Slumber of Reason
A Multimedia Theater performance
based on Francisco de Goya’s Los Caprichos
Francisco de Goya’s Los Caprichos (The Caprices), a series of 80 enigmatic and controversial prints, were created at the end of the 18th century at a time of economic crisis and social unrest in Spain. These artworks deal with such themes as the Spanish Inquisition, the corruption of the nobility, witchcraft, and avarice. Its subhuman cast includes characters that populate a world on the margins of reason, where no clear boundaries distinguish reality from fantasy. With a stark intensity unprecedented in the history of art, these prints convey the contradictions of a historical period when religious fundamentalism and paranoia prevailed over reason. Goya used his art as a powerful weapon to denounce social abuses and superstitions. Los Caprichos were a passionate declaration of his political liberalism and his revulsion towards ignorance and intellectual oppression.
For THE SLUMBER OF REASON, the Latina Dance Project (LDP) uses these powerful images to create a new set of modern day “caprichos” exploring contemporary demons that affect our world ranging from the darkest to the most absurdly humorous, including immigration, environmental degradation, racism, war, and technological alienation. Interweaving theater, movement, music and video, LDP draws upon Goya’s extraordinary and haunting imagination, brandishing humor as a tool of social criticism. A series of vignettes explores our contemporary superstitions and social abuses. THE SLUMBER OF REASON creates a world that hits you powerfully in the gut but makes you laugh at the sheer madness of it all! Cast includes founding LDP members Licia Perea and José Garcia Davis, joined by Yarrow Perea, Alicia and Jason Adams. Original Score by composer Wes Hambright; Costumes by Susan Cox; Video, Masks and Props by José Garcia Davis.
SHOWTIMES
Fri, Feb 6, 7pm
Sat, Feb 7, 7pm
Sun, Feb 8, 1pm
Tickets: $20 General Admission
Runtime: 1 hour 10 minutes
PRESENTED BY
Latina Dance Project