CULTURE SHOCK SAN DIEGO DEBUTS “Graffiti Life” AT THE LYCEUM

International graffiti artist pens theatrical dance show about underground culture

April 20, 2009—Culture Shock San Diego’s (CSSD) “Graffiti Life,” a theatrical dance show written by Graffiti Writer, Pose 2, will premiere May 28 to 31 at the Lyceum Theatre at Horton Plaza. On May 28 and 29, showtime will be at 7 p.m.; May 30 times will be at 2 and 7 p.m.; and on May 31 it will be at 5 p.m. The show will run alongside “Pose 2 is Mr. Maxx Moses,” an exhibit of Pose 2′s graffiti work on display in the Lyceum’s Upstairs Lobby gallery until June 6.

“Graffiti Life,” CSSD’s second evening-length production, exposes the underground culture of graffiti through hip-hop dance. “People in general don’t know a lot about graffiti. They see it, but they don’t see it being done, they don’t know the inner workings of the writer, of the graffiti writer,” says Pose 2, who began his own graffiti life in 1976 in the subways of New York City. “Graffiti is the most relevant art form right now because it’s alive. You don’t have to go to a museum to see it, it’s in the street. We interact with it every day and there’s so much controversy surrounding it—a lot of controversy, a lot of mystery, a lot of misunderstanding.”

Aside from asking larger questions about graffiti, such as whether it’s art or trash, “Graffiti Life” reveals the different philosophies and conflicts among graffiti writers. The story follows Ill (played by Sherman Shoate), a dominating male character who symbolizes the angry, destructive aspect of graffiti; SheRock (played by Angela Molton), the female lead who exemplifies the beauty and uplift the art has to offer; and the Young Boys Crew (played by David Silvas, David Henry and Jeremy “Jermz” Mascardo), a new generation of up-and-coming graffiti writers who are influenced by both faces of the art form and struggle to find their place within the culture.

Pose 2 was motivated to write the show after seeing the 2006 production of “Christopher, for the love …,” CSSD’s first dance-theater work. “I had never seen a group of choreographed B-boys perform and I was really impressed.” Collaborating with CSSD was a natural step, he says.

“Working with Pose 2 on ‘Graffiti Life’ has been a real education,” says Angie Bunch, CSSD’s executive director. “I went into this excited about trying something new and have come out of it with an entirely new awareness of art in general and graffiti art in particular. Culture Shock’s perspective on Pose 2′s story is exciting, raw and beautiful. ‘Graffiti Life’ is a feast for the senses.”

Part of the proceeds from the show will be used to offer three scholarships for a seven- to 14-week session of the “Graffiti as an Art Form Class” at the Art Academy of San Diego in North Park taught by Pose 2. His work also can be found the New Children’s Museum and in murals downtown. Winners also will receive a package of free dance classes at the renowned Culture Shock Dance Center. There are no requirements; all ages are encouraged to apply and graffiti writing experience isn’t necessary. Those interested can sign up for a scholarship at one of the shows.

Tickets for “Graffiti Life” cost $25 and $22 for seniors, the military and students. Seating is general admission. Tickets will be available at the Culture Shock Dance Center, the Lyceum box office and online at www.lyceumevents.org and www.sdartstix.com starting April 21. Pre-sale tickets, which cost $20, are now available at the Dance Center.

A 17-year stalwart in the dance community, CSSD’s members have gone on to perform with Destiny’s Child and Missy Elliott. Several CSSD alumni in the Jabbawockeez took home a win on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Created in 1993 by Angie Bunch, the Culture Shock family has outposts in Los Angeles; Oakland; Las Vegas; Chicago; Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; and in Ottawa and Toronto, Canada. The groups all carry the mission, “We are a troupe of individuals who, through the power of music and dance, cultivate self-worth, dignity and respect for all people.” San Diego is the home branch of Culture Shock.

For details on CSSD or the Culture Shock Dance Center, visit www.cultureshockdance.org