UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA) unveiled the highly anticipated inaugural season for 2023-24 at The UCLA Nimoy Theater (The Nimoy), formerly recognized as The Crest Theatre. Situated in the prominent Westwood area, this historic venue has undergone an extensive renovation to transform into a versatile off-campus performing arts space, accommodating an audience capacity of 300 individuals.
The Nimoy, paying tribute to the accomplished artist, actor, director, and philanthropist Leonard Nimoy, represents a reimagination of the revered Crest Theatre, which was acquired by UCLA in 2018. Distinguished by its intimate setting, this theater aims to immerse spectators in a profoundly captivating live performance experience. Simultaneously, it seeks to offer contemporary artists from Los Angeles and around the globe expanded opportunities to foster and present their innovative creations. In essence, The Nimoy serves as a genuine haven for artists hailing from diverse backgrounds, amplifying an array of voices, perspectives, ideas, and artistic expressions across multiple disciplines such as music, dance, theater, literary arts, digital media arts, and collaborative ventures.
Brett Steele, the dean of UCLA’s School of the Arts and Architecture, commented, “The inaugural season at The Nimoy signifies a transformative juncture in CAP UCLA’s longstanding commitment to showcasing live performances by artists from both local creative communities and abroad.” He further emphasized the momentous significance of The Nimoy’s long-awaited opening and the completion of The Hammer transformation, asserting UCLA’s enhanced cultural relevance as a hub catering to the Westwood neighborhood and broader Los Angeles communities.
Edgar Miramontes, recently appointed executive and artistic director of CAP UCLA, highlighted the central role played by CAP UCLA in Los Angeles’ vibrant cultural landscape, emphasizing that The Nimoy’s arrival will further solidify UCLA’s contributions to the city’s flourishing culture of artistic expression. Miramontes expressed his profound honor in commencing his tenure during such an exhilarating phase for the arts at UCLA and eagerly anticipates commemorating the opening of The Nimoy alongside audiences and the performing artists participating in this historic inaugural season. He conveyed his gratitude to Co-Interim Directors Meryl Friedman and Fred Frumberg for curating an exceptionally remarkable season.
Under the stewardship of CAP UCLA, The Nimoy will continue the tradition of presenting a diverse selection of local and global artists, spanning various art forms such as music, dance, theater, literary arts, and interdisciplinary collaborations. This curated program aims to reflect the vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, thereby offering an invigorating and culturally enriching experience to spectators.
To ignite the stage of The Nimoy with energy and cultural diversity, the upcoming 2023-24 season will feature several captivating performances. Among the notable world music acts are Ethiocolor (September 29), an ensemble renowned for seamlessly blending contemporary influences with traditional instruments and dances derived from Ethiopia’s Azmari culture. Additionally, renowned pipa player and prominent advocate for traditional Chinese music, Wu Man (October 15), will grace the stage with her unparalleled virtuosity. Lastly, LADAMA (May 5), an all-female band, will captivate audiences with their fusion of traditional and non-traditional instruments, culminating in exhilarating Latin Alternative music imbued with a modern twist.
(headline image: Ethiocolor – Photo by Miki Mac)
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central