This year’s festival will bring new twists and diversity in performances fit for all ages
Puppetry, live action, animation, a global orchestra and a fusion of science and circus tricks will form this year’s season of “Off the Map” — a series of international talent hosted by BYU’s BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series.
“This year we are trying something new,” said BRAVO! director Bridget Benton. “In the past ‘Off the Map’ has been in a festival format with all the performances occurring in the same week. This limited us in terms of what groups were available, but also left patrons with limited options. This year, ‘Off the Map’ is an international series that runs through winter semester. It’s the same great caliber of international talent, just spread throughout the semester.”
NEW OWNER
Australian group “The Last Great Hunt” will kick off the season with their performance of “New Owner” — a theatre experience that takes audiences on a journey through a dog’s eyes. The story explores themes of friendship, loss and new beginnings and is recommended for ages seven and up — and those still young at heart.
“The team at ‘The Last Great Hunt’ are some of the most creative and dynamic thinkers creating theatre today,” Benton said. “We have hosted this company for their production of ‘The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer’ and ‘It’s Dark Outside.’ Although their pieces are appealing to children, they tackle real issues in life, such as loss and heartbreak, but they do it in a way that challenges us to think critically about the relationships we have with others.”
Tickets and Show Details
Performance Dates and Times: January 22-25 | 6:00 p.m. and January 25 | 2:00 p.m.
Location: Nelke Theatre
Price: $15-17
Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC or Marriott Center Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981 or online at byutickets.com
KUNÉ
Adding to the variety and twists of this year’s series will be Kuné — Canada’s global orchestra — named after an Esperanto word meaning “together.” The orchestra will season audiences with a celebration of Canada’s cultural diversity and pluralism in their performance.
“This is the first year that we have included music in our international festival,” Benton said. “Kuné draws upon the varied musical culture of each of its members and creates something truly unique.”
Kuné is composed of 13 musicians who come from various parts of the world — including Brazil, Canada, Pakistan, Greece, China, Burkina Faso, Peru and others — with diverse instruments to match. The sound they create together demonstrates the beauty that comes from listening to each other and embracing differences.
Tickets and Show Details
Performance Dates and Times: January 24 | 7:30 p.m.
Location: Pardoe Theatre
Price: $25-35
Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC or Marriott Center Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981 or online at byutickets.com
AIR PLAY
The final show of “Off the Map” will be performed by the circus group “Acrobuffos” as they showcase the power of air in their performance of “Air Play.”
“This is truly a unique performance where air is personified and harnessed to create a truly beautiful and whimsical performance,” Benton said.
Created by husband and wife duo Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone with the sculptural artistry of Daniel Wurtzel, this performance promises to blow audiences away with flying umbrellas, kites, giant balloons, and a massive snow globe.
Tickets and Show Details
Performance Dates and Times: March 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall
Price: $15-35
Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC or Marriott Center Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981 or online at byutickets.com