The Segestrom Center for the Arts has announced that the acclaimed Israeli performance troupe MAYUMANA will make their West Coast debut at the Center this April 6. The group’s style can perhaps can best be described as mixing the electrifying energy and percussion of STOMP with the dazzling stagecraft and playfulness of Blue Man Group – plus the pure athleticism of Pilobolus dancers.
The troupe heavily combines song, dance and percussion for immersive and visually striking performances. They’ll be performing their new show Currents which takes inspiration from the “Battle of Currents” between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in their quest for finding energy sources for the world.
“While not a part of our Dance Series, the Center is thrilled to welcome an international performance troupe of this caliber for an immersive evening and a unique complement to all of the other dance programming we offer,” according to Segerstrom spokesperson Hanya Bruner.
Currents is a spectacular show that was inspired by the historical Battle of Currents between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in their quest for finding energy sources for the world. Audience members will be taken on a journey between two troops, each representing a different view of the essence of light and electricity and each inspired by a different esthetic and artistic approach, all of which are presented as a dialogue, through unique sounds, lights and visual effects.
The show combines a variety of elements: specially made musical instruments, massive video art projections including video mapping on the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem and eleven skilled performers in constant movement, playing on different instruments and musically juggling between different sounds.
Currents overcomes age and language barriers, bringing incredible energy that enables the audience to take a pause from their daily routine and enjoy a fascinating, breathtaking experience filled with color, music and movement that come together in an extraordinary fashion.
Driven by their deep love for percussion and music, Artistic Director Boaz Berman and Eylon Nuphar created the first Mayumana show in 1996. From around the world, Berman and Nuphar gathered a group of gifted performers, each with diverse talents and contrasting backgrounds. Sparked by their shared passion for rhythm and coordination, and fueled by their unique sense of humor and mischief, the group’s dynamic on stage was inexhaustible and infectious. Enriched by working with a multicultural cast, they inspired each other to fulfill the individual’s prowess in his or her area of expertise, while developing in all players the versatility to master other skills. This befits the name Mayumana, which comes from the Hebrew word for skill – Meyumanut.
Every show produced by Mayumana endeavors to “visualize the music” with its audience. In
addition, the power of each Mayumana creation comes from the strong emphasis placed on the
unity and synchronization of the group. Simultaneously, the unique talent of each performer is
highlighted and celebrated. Mayumana’s playfulness extends beyond the stage, reaching out to
engage in direct interactions with its audiences of all ages and cultures.
Since its conception, Mayumana has produced many shows including Mayumana, BE, Momentum, Bejuntos, Malabi, Rumba! and Currents. Mayumana has also collaborated with many artists around the world including Bobby McFerrin, David Broza, Mati Caspi, Estopa, Infected Mushroom and Tiesto. Today, the artistic team of Mayumana is led by Boaz and Geri Berman/
Tickets to Mayumana start at $39 and are on sale now at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings of 10 or more, please call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236.
Courtesy photo
