Search the Archives:

Theatre Profiles

Shadowlight Productions

Contact Information
22 Chattanooga St , San Francisco , CA 94114
Business: (415) 648-4461, Box Office: , FAX: (415) 641-9734
Website:www.shadowlight.org
Email: info@shadowlight.org

Fiscal Year Jan 1 - Dec 31

Founded 1977
Founder(s) Larry Reed

2011-2012 Select Another Season:     
Artistic Leader(s) Larry Reed , Artistic Director
Management Leader(s) Sachiko Willis , Managing Director
Board Leader(s) Drew Takahashi , President
Finances $241,170.00
LORT Membership No
LORT Categories
AEA Contracts
Season Variable (no set beginning or end date)
Facilities
Artistic Leader's
Statement		 In the early 70’s, I began my training in the traditional shadow theatre of wayang kulit, and became the first American to become a “dalang” or “shadow master.” A wayang performance takes place on a small screen with over 20 characters manipulated by a single dalang, illuminated by a single coconut oil flame. From the first moment, I viewed this form as a primordial film, and I always approached the form with this very Western sensitivity as well as with deep respect. After twenty years of performing wayangs around the world, I began challenging myself by reversing the direction – by approaching the modern theatre and film from the traditional Eastern point of view in order to create a deeper connection with the American audiences. The outcome was a live animation - a completely original way of using shadows in theatre that was not culture-bound. Performed behind and in front of a 15’x 30’ screen, these works orchestrate silhouettes of puppets, actors, and cutout sets illuminated by multiple electric light sources to create cinematic effects live on stage. Since the early 90’s, I have created over 15 works in this style including IN XANADU, THE WILD PARTY, COYOTE’S JOURNEY, SEVEN VISIONS, MONKEY KING, GHOSTS OF THE RIVER, and THE GOOD-FOR-NOTHING LOVER. Each project is an exploration of a subject drawn from a different cultural tradition and a reflection of the complex American cultural tapestry. The sources and inspiration for the subject and the form are bottomless.
Special Interests Asian-American
Ensemble
Experimental
Latino/Hispanic
Multicultural
New Work
Political/Social Issues
Puppetry
Student/Youth Programs
Translations/Adaptations