West LA Times

The UCLA Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA) has announced its 2024–25 season, set to begin on September 21. The season will feature over 30 projects from artists worldwide, held at various venues throughout Westwood and Los Angeles.

This marks the inaugural season under artistic and executive director Edgar Miramontes, a UCLA alumnus who graduated in 2002. Tickets will be available starting July 8 for CAP UCLA members and July 10 for the general public.

The season will showcase more than 80 artists from over ten countries, offering programs that explore themes of connection and cultural inclusivity through poetry, dance, theater, multimedia performances, and diverse music genres including classical, electronic, and mambo.

"Throughout my experience as an undocumented individual, from my time as a UCLA student to my career as a dance-theater artist, the study of geography — the social, cultural, and political — became a study of the imaginary for me," said Miramontes. "Arts and cultural spaces, including CAP UCLA, became my windows to the world... In many ways, my inaugural season is an embodiment of this transformative journey."

Performances will take place at multiple venues including the UCLA Nimoy Theater, Royce Hall, The United Theater on Broadway, Glorya Kaufman Dance Theater, Freud Playhouse, and UCLA’s Little Theater. CAP UCLA aims to promote cultural equity with affordable ticket options to ensure accessibility for all audiences.

Highlights of the upcoming season include:

- Gregory Maqoma’s "Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro," which delves into themes of greed, power, and grief in post-apartheid South Africa.

- Faustin Linyekula’s "My Body, My Archive," exploring how bodies carry historical narratives.

- Piehole's "Disclaimer," an interactive experience blending Iran-U.S. relations with Agatha Christie-style mystery.

- Elevator Repair Service's rendition of James Joyce’s "Ulysses," featuring a chaotic yet fast-paced performance.

- Jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant offering imaginative interpretations of standards and original works.

- Shamel Pitts’ "BLACK HOLE," an Afrofuturism-inspired performance celebrating empowerment and unity.

- Wen Hui and Eiko Otake's "What Is War," reflecting personal memories related to wars.

- Grammy Award-winning Chicano rock ensemble Quetzal performing songs rooted in social activism.

- The Centre for the Less Good Idea presenting “A Defense of the Less Good Idea,” preceded by a lecture from cofounder William Kentridge.

Tickets go on sale July 8 for CAP UCLA members and July 10 for the general public. Further details can be found in the full announcement.

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