Universal Language: Projects
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to direct a full-scale production or perhaps create a story in a language different from your own? The Minnesota Shubert Center is giving you a chance to explore a new world by creating a project inspired by the journey of Close to Silence. It will bring both artists and production team directly to you through the use of web-conversational outlets, such as forums and chat sessions, thus giving you a rare chance to work one-on-one with those involved with the production.
Below is a list of projects from which you may choose or you have the option of developing your own. You will observe and analyze what you see through the Journey, share your discoveries with others and relate it to your project.
We invite you to begin a topic thread in the forum with the title of your project so as to create your own working journal of your progress. Artists and production team will occasionally stop by and check in with you to answer questions or give additional information on your Expedition. You may also ask the artists questions directly via the forum.
Completed projects will be rewarded by being on display opening night of Close to Silence on June 1st at the Southern Theater. Additionally, there will be announcements of contests from organizations outside of the Minnesota Shubert Center in which you may enter your project as well!
Projects can be presented in a broad range of media; from research papers to videos to photo collages. The ideas below are meant to initially inspire you, however the success of the project lies in your own creativity in exploring a new world.
Project Ideas
Mystical Poetry
Muhammad Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th century mystic and poet, plays a key role in Islamic culture and is one of the main inspirations for the development of Close to Silence. Research Rumi and break down the form, imagery, and elements of his poetry. Then, write a poem in the style for which he is famous and discuss the elements you used to create your piece.
Calligraphy in Motion
Calligraphy is the art form used in writing the Islamic language. Works have been designed using the graceful movement of the letters found in this language. Research the different styles of calligraphy and trace the history of this language. Then, create your own art piece or story using Arabic calligraphy as the vehicle.
Arts on the Brain
Research shows that dance--and the arts in general--has been known to activate key areas of brain development. What happens to the brain when the body is spinning? Scientifically, what possibly causes the higher state of mind? What affect do the arts have on brain development?
Music of the People
The basis of Ethnomusicology, the study of ethnic music, is Dance + Song and its integral place in society. Pick any culture different from your own, and create a research project based on song and dance’s integral place in that society.
Be a Set Designer
Creating the atmosphere and environment for a theatrical piece is a very important part of a production. Create your own set for Close to Silence, using the inspirations of Rumi poetry and Calligraphy, as well as your own personal touch. Build a model of the set you create, a document with the specifications, tools and materials you will need, as well as a budget that will harbor all the costs associated with building your dream set.
Unifying through Art
Bringing Eastern and Western cultures together is a fascinating and sometimes, difficult task. Put yourself in Wynn Fricke’s and Fawzia Reda’s shoes. Research an Eastern culture, then take any form of art (dance, music, theater, creative writing, or visual art) and create an artistic piece which combines both cultures.
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