Trustus Theatre and Jasper Magazine Announce THE ART OF PASSING STRANGE, 3/16

 Trustus Theatre and Jasper Magazine are teaming up to present The Art of "Passing Strange", an event celebrating interdisciplinary artistic creation. This one-night only event happens on Friday, March 16^th in the Trustus Main Space. The doors open at 7:30pm, and performances will begin at 8:00pm. Admission is free.  

The Art of "Passing Strange" precedes the opening of Trustus Theatre's production of Passing Strange, a one-of-a-kind rock musical that charts a young musician's journey to find "the real" through an exploration of artistic voice and authenticity.  

Director Chad Henderson knew he wanted to make the production of Passing Strange into a product of the strengthening arts scene in Columbia. "We have a lot of richness in this arts community – and we're becoming increasingly aware of it," said Henderson. "I wanted to find a way to mix theatre, dance, music, and visual art in a way that was distinctly exhibitive of our arts scene in Columbia."

Joining with Jasper Magazine, Columbia's new go-to arts magazine, Trustus Theatre was able to reach out to the visual arts community. "The goal was to find visual artists who would create pieces inspired by the show," said Henderson, "which would in turn become the set for the production." Local Columbia visual artists Michael Krajewski, Alex Smith, Paul Kaufmann, Lucas Sams, Cedric Umoja, David West, and Lisa Puryear came on board. 

In a private viewing at the Nickelodeon after-hours, the artists gathered with cast-members from the show to watch the Spike Lee film of the Broadway production of Passing Strange to gain inspiration and discover themes in the show. The canvases, each measuring 4ft X 4ft, were distributed to the artists after the viewing – and they began responding to the piece through visual art.

The Art of "Passing Strange" is the grand unveiling of the new pieces created for the show. Attendees can get an intimate experience with each of these pieces before they make their way onto the set. 

There will also be performances throughout the night by singing duo Major 2 Minor and Vibrations Dance Company. Kanika Moore and Mario McClean of Major 2 Minor are cast-members of Passing Strange, and Vibrations Dance Company Creative Director 

Terrance Henderson is also choreographing and acting in the show. 

Attendees will get the chance to "make their mark" on the set - Trustus will be providing the paint, and attendees may paint whatever they're inspired to paint in a designated area on the set of Passing Strange.  

Admission is free to The Art of "Passing Strange" in Trustus Main Space on March 16^th at 7:30pm. The cash bar will be serving beer and wine – and attendees will be surrounded by the Columbia arts scene with visual art, music, theatre, and dance coming together for one of the most unique arts events this year. 

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. and on Pulaski St. The Main Stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building. 

For more information or reservations call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

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