Rova:Arts' Improv:21 series presents Gino Robair

Wed, Feb 1
7:30pm - 9:30pm
$15 - $10 Sliding Scale

(Improv:21, a series of "Informances" on 21st-Century musical
improvisation led by master improvisers from the Bay Area and beyond.
Hosted by critic and KPFA Radio host Derk Richardson.)

Gino Robair discusses the use of open-ended structures and
improvisation to create an operatic work that is never the same twice.

I, Norton is an open-ended piece that can be performed by any number
of people and assembled in a unique way for each performance. The
literary elements behind the work are the writings attributed to
Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, as
well as mocking "false decrees" published in contemporary newspapers
to cash in on the Emperor's notoriety.

In performance, I, Norton takes the shape of an improvised collage
that combines conduction (using hand cues), graphic scores, and
memory-based improvisational structures. The opera can be performed
by a handful of people or with a large ensemble. Although the score
includes text-based material for speakers and singers, a realization
of the opera can be completely instrumental. The piece does not
require staging, sets, lights, or costumes. It is meant to be
performed anywhere, anytime: A mobile guerrilla anti-opera, if you will.

Venue:

21 Grand
416 25th St.
Oakland, CA
415-444-7263
http://www.21grand.org/

Get on the Bay Bridge, unfortunately, this is really your only
choice. When you get back onto "dry land," be sure to be in one of
the right-hand lanes.
bull Take I-880 S exit towards ALAMEDA/AIRPORT/SAN JOSE. 0.44 miles
bull Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp, exiting at W GRAND AVE/
MARITIME AVE EXIT. 0.41 miles
bull Keep going STRAIGHT, you're on WEST GRAND
bull Turn LEFT onto BROADWAY
bull Turn LEFT onto 25TH ST. 0.01 miles
bull Total Estimated Time:16 minutes(?) (We're pretty sure the
Mapquest folks have no concept of Bay Area traffic.)

Additional Info:

415-487-1701
http://www.rova.org/upcomingevents/