Walker Art Center Performing Arts Continue with Virtual Events on the Climate Crisis Copresented with the Great Northern

“We are so pleased to offer two major works by leading artists from different disciplines employing new tools and alternative platforms to create and present works that address the climate catastrophe that so threatens our world” says Philip Bither, Director and Senior Curator of Performing Arts.  “This ‘Art+Climate’ program, copresented with The Great Northern, is the first of a range of additional digital, live and hybrid events that we’ll announce and premiere in the coming months. We hope that these programs, along with a wide range of new commissions we are making (to be premiered in 2021-22 and beyond) will offer strong new performance work for our audiences while helping to sustain some of our most innovative artists at such a critical time.”

Josh Fox: The Truth Has Changed (2021 Edition)

World premiere
Friday, January 29, 7 pm – Monday, February 1, 11:59 pm (CST)
Live post-show dialogue with the artist
Pay what you wish, suggested price $20

“One of the most adventurous impresarios of the New York avant-garde.” —New York Times

Tracing the arc of misinformation and propaganda in the United States from 9/11 to Trump and this year’s elections, theatermaker and Emmy Award–winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker (Gasland) Josh Fox offers a riveting solo performance that confronts us with the truth about the climate crisis in a “post-truth” world. This special edition, prerecorded live from New Orleans and produced specifically for this presentation, is a complex, funny yet sobering rumination in the theatrical spirit of brilliant monologist and sly social commentator Spalding Gray. The Truth Has Changed (2021 Edition) offers both a warning and a way forward for our besieged democracy.

The Meta Simulacrum Vol. 1: Artist Conversation

Friday, February 5, 7:30 pm (CST)
Online, Free
Copresented and commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Ahead of the world premiere co-presented by the Walker this May, join Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Nate Bachhuber and composer William Brittelle in an exploration and meditation on the creation of the Meta Simulacrum, Vol 1.

This live streamed conversation features a dialogue with preeminent climatologist William deBuys who’s writing inspired the work’s inception, as well as readings and music from members Will Johnson and Erika Dohi of this exciting supergroup. The full performance of this project will be streamed on May 2, 2021.

The Meta Simulacrum Vol. 1

Sunday, May 2, 7pm – Monday, May 3, 11:59pm (CST)
This event may be viewed for free but a $20 donation is suggested to help support the artistic programs of the Walker and the Great Northern.

“Brittelle has been drawing from his varied experiences in classical music, punk rock, and electronica to produce silo-bombing music that is at once free-ranging, formally adventurous, unconventionally beautiful, and a joyful thrill to experience.” —The Nation

Using the symbology of our shared past to look forward into an uncertain future of climate change, this digital streaming event debuts the first material generated through The Meta Simulacrum, an interdisciplinary, alternate-reality digital platform designed from the mind of composer/producer William Brittelle. The elegantly orchestrated virtual presentation features newly created music for an electro-acoustic ensemble of dynamic musical polymaths within a specially conceived digital framework. This uniquely collaborative project draws from modern classical, acid jazz, Japanese city pop, and experimental rock worlds with recontextualized elements of ’80s sound. Among the work’s inspirations are the writings of preeminent conservationist William deBuys. When asked how best to approach the irreversible effects of climate change, deBuys advocates for a deep sense of elegy—a sincere, heartfelt farewell anchored by a palpable sense of loss. Join us to experience this timely and provocative project that provides a sound look at a global crisis through music and communal introspection.

Featuring Holland Andrews (Like A Villain), Channy Leaneagh (Poliça), Will Johnson (WILLS), Immanuel Wilkins (sax), Ian Chang (percussion), Rafiq Bhatia (guitar), Erika Dohi (synthesizers), Chris Fishman (keys), Jackson Hill (bass), and members of the Cincinnati Symphony.

Commissioned by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Copresented by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, The Great Northern, and the Walker Art Center.