News Archives - 2008

Mixed Blood show features talents of alum

A message from Aaron Gabriel '00

I recently had the privilege of composing a score for Interact's new musical Sindibad: Artist and Outlaw, playing at the Mixed Blood Theater through December 20. The score is a mix of musical ideas from the past five decades as well as minimalism, world music, and polytonality. It's been a great challenge and I have really enjoyed the creative freedom it has allowed. I have a great pit that includes Mindy Eschedor, Patrick Charbonneau, and Ryan Hughes.

From the Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts:

Sublime and ridiculous; literal yet abstract; wrenching, ethereal and humorous, Interact once again dissolves the expected boundaries in this world premiere of Sindibad: Artist and Outlaw, opening Saturday, November 29, at Mixed Blood Theatre. Through song, dance, historical clips and shadow puppetry, the performance weaves the real events of one man's extraordinary life with actual events of the times.

Sindibad: Artist in Outlaw is the true story of the remarkable life of visual/performing artist Sindibad O'Dell. [pictured left, photo by Tom Kanthak, Reaction Studios] Born mid 20th century to a bohemian family with Native American roots, life carried Sindibad along a current that swept him through the decades and brought him face to face with some of history's most significant people, leading him to become an active participant in momentous American events. Throughout the sixties, he joined in riots and marches, and met icons like Jimi Hendrix, Allen Ginsberg and The Grateful Dead. He witnessed the birth of American Indian Movement and at times, gave in to his outlaw nature and found himself living on the streets, narrowly escaping death. With the deep realization that there had to be more to life, Sindibad began to experience a spiritual awakening. What followed was his involvement with a band of gypsies and the meditative ritual of Sufi Spinning. Finally coming full circle with his own roots, he began practicing the proud ceremony of Native American Sun Dance and Sindibad's life was forever changed.

Sindibad: Artist and Outlaw

Now through December 30

Mixed Blood Theater

Tickets $8-$16, www.mixedblood.com or 612-338-6131

Wednesdays at noon, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

AD performances: December 6 and 20, 3 p.m.

ASL performances: December 4 and 6, 7:30 p.m.