HELLO EVERYBODY!

 

Welcome to the new season.

For many of you, I know it’s “Welcome Back,” but for some of you—the ones that have been out of the country, recently released from prison or just moved to Los Angeles—welcome to UCLA Live.

As I start my eighth season (and 7th International Theatre Festival) as Artistic Director, I continue to be astonished, energized and even a bit challenged by the possibilities of curating a performing arts program. Looking back across past seasons, which encompass everything from Robert Wilson’s L.A. debut to every local engagement of Les Arts Florissants, Pina Bausch, Jessye Norman, David Sedaris, Dan Zanes, the RSC and many more, I realize how lucky I am to have such an opportunity; we have a great audience here. UCLA Live is the archetypal tree falling in a forest. Our program only happens because you witness it and make it happen.

In this year’s brochure, please allow me to introduce you to another season that represents absolutely the best work out in the world right now (in my opinion, obviously, that’s my job!). For the 7th International Theatre Festival, five of the six events have never been seen in the United States and four are entirely exclusive to UCLA Live.

There are events you will never see again (Hal Willner and The McCabe’s Anniversary); old friends (Nati Cano, the Labèque sisters, Volksbühne, Andrew Dawson); some new names to UCLA (Barrie Kosky, Sidi Larbi), some legendary creative talents (Edward Albee, Werner Herzog, Césaria Évora); and a couple from my past (trust me, you do NOT want to miss Goran Bregovic!).

None of this would be possible without you buying, attending, supporting, joining and participating as you do. So, please buy a series or two, attend if you haven’t, give if you can—and welcome, truly, to the new season.

With pride, gratitude and undiminished enthusiasm.

David Sefton
Executive and Artistic Director, UCLA Live