The non-profit contemporary arts institute, founded by father and son Cano and Tim Ozgener, is housed in the warehouse of their former company C.A.O Cigars.
Performances of the inaugural season begin Feb. 13, 2014, and continue through June 21.
The season, which has been programmed by artistic director Lauren Snelling in consultation with Kristy Edmunds, will feature Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord's adaptation of The Suit, the multimedia experience ETHEL's Documerica and Book 1: Target Earth, The Intergalactic Nemesis' "live-action graphic novel"/radio play.
Along with presenting celebrated national and international artists, Oz will also feature local talents with its monthly TNT (Thursday Night Things) program, offering Nashville-based artists an opportunity to collaborate and present their work. The inaugural season will also feature a Site-Visit Lecture Series with artists who will be developing future projects. In addition, the quarterly in*sight publication will interview artists on their work and inspirations, and audiences will have the opportunity to join The Vanguard, a select group of dedicated arts lovers who will enjoy exclusive access to Oz special events, pop-up dinners, private artists gatherings, artist giveaways and the Oz annual Fête.
"Oz will have a unique voice in Nashville, as we commission and present significant works by artists who are testing and shifting the landscape of their field," Snelling said in a statement. "The hum and energy of artistic expression in Nashville has long been its life force, and I believe with the creation of Oz, artists and audiences will be asked to lean forward and actively engage with art in new and exciting ways." The season-at-a-glance follows.
DANCE
Wayne McGregor | Random Dance
Far
Feb. 13, 2014
8 PM
"Inspired by the philosophical inquiries of the 18th Century and French polymath Diderot's first encyclopedia, Far explores an era that first placed 'a body in question.' Ten incredible dancers confront the distortions, sensuality and feeling of the 'Age of Enlightenmnet' to a haunting score by the critically acclaimed composer Ben Frost. Staged in a mesmerizing environment of shadow and light created by rAndom International and lighting designer Lucy Carter, Far binds cutting edge design with choreography developed through a radical cognitive research process."
THEATRE
The Intergalactic Nemesis
Book 1: Target Earth
March 7-8
7 PM
"This performance blends the theatrical magic of a radio drama with the high-octane energy of a science fiction comic book. The year is 1933 and Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon. This period-sci-fi-horror-suspense-comedy-romance is presented in a whole new format: More than 1,000 hand-drawn, full-color, blow-your-mind comic-book images blast from the screen, while three actors, one Foley artist, and one keyboardist perform all the voices, sound effects and music live."
MUSIC
ETHEL
ETHEL's Documerica
April 11
8 PM
"Directed by Steve Cosson, ETHEL's Documerica juxtaposes manipulated vintage visuals with contemporary musical compositions performed with electrifying virtuosity by ETHEL. Big sky vistas, ghost towns, mountains, and slices of urban environments accompany this musical meditation, capturing America's complicated relationship to its land. New music by the members of ETHEL, as well as by acclaimed composers Mary Ellen Childs, Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr., Jared Impichchaachaaha' Tate (Chickasaw Nation), veteran-activist and blues maven James 'Kimo' Williams, is paired with visuals by renowned projection artist Deborah Johnson."
ETHEL +
April 12
8 PM
"At the heart of ETHEL is a collaborative ethos — a quest for a common creative expression that is forged in the celebration of community. In this one-night-only, just-for-Nashville performance, ETHEL + invites a select group of Nashville-based musicians to jam with the quartet and discover new sounds."
THEATRE
Peter Brook/Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord
The Suit
May 22-24
8 PM
"Renowned director Peter Brook brings to life a moving and music-filled adaptation of The Suit, a bold fable with strong historical reference to life under Apartheid by the talented and tragic South African writer Can Themba. The Suit centers on middle-class lawyer Philemon, his wife Matilda, and the eponymous garment left behind by Matilda's lover when Philemon catches the illicit couple in the act. As poignant punishment, Philemon makes Matilda carry the suit as a companion in her daily life, feeding it, entertaining it, and parading it in public as a reminder of her adultery. With a small cast and an innovative staging that pulls the musicians on stage and into the scene, The Suit fills a powerful old story with new life and energy."
MUSIC
Philip Glass & Tim Fain
June 20-21
8 PM
"Famed minimalist composer Philip Glass will join adventurous young violinist Tim Fain for an intimate evening of new classical music. The program will feature solo performances of Glass compositions by both Fain on violin and Glass on piano, as well as a few remarkable duets pairing their talents."
MUSIC
FAMILY DAY AT Oz
Featuring Dan Zanes & Friends
Aug. 9
Noon-4 PM; performance at 2 PM
"Family Day at Oz is an annual, full-day event of indoor and outdoor arts activities for young people and families, designed to spark creativity and expression. Dan Zanes (of indie legends The Del Fuegos) and his Brooklyn-based band highlight the days' activities with a family-friendly concert featuring music from their Grammy-nominated children's albums. The audience is always invited to sing along and join in the dance party, and you never know who might show up to join the band in Nashville!"
TNT (THURSDAY NIGHT THINGS) AT Oz
Artists To Be Announced
Every Third Thursday (Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21)
"Oz will host a monthly program curated by Nashville-based artists representing multiple disciplines of performing and visual arts. Rather than observing a performance, audience members will get a glimpse into the artistic process of Nashville's diverse and artistic talent in a relaxing setting, complete with signature cocktails, food trucks and conversation every third Thursday."
Visit Oznashville.com for more information.
