2023 Dallas Arts District Changing Perspectives Block Party scheduled on Friday, April 14th, 6:30-11:00 pm, AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Sammons Park, 2403 Flora Street from Leonard to Routh Street.
In celebration of Dallas Arts Month, Dallas Arts District is hosting the annual Changing Perspectives Block Party: A Cultural Festival. This FREE family-friendly event will feature Close-Act Theatre’s Birdmen; a trio of large, illuminated birdlike animals that extend 23 feet high and 19 feet long with a wingspan of 13 feet that will come to life on the streets of the Dallas Arts District! Coming from the Netherlands, Close-Act Theatre is renowned for interactive street theatre. Don’t miss this family-friendly event with some of the best artists Dallas has to offer along with food trucks, artisan/makers, a community muralist and more.
DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT HOSTS CHANGING PERSPECTIVES BLOCK PARTY FEATURING CLOSE-ACT THEATRE’S BIRDMEN
April 14, 2023 – A Block Party featuring Close-Act Theatre: Birdmen, 23’ Birdlike Dinosaurs in Interactive Street Theatre, Monica Saldivar, Multi Award-Winning Tejano Artist,
Dezi 5 Entertainment, Kupira Marimba Ensemble, and other Dallas Artists
(DALLAS) In celebration of Dallas Arts Month, Dallas Arts District is hosting the annual Changing Perspectives Block Party: A Cultural Festival. This FREE family-friendly event will feature Close-Act Theatre’s Birdmen; a trio of large, illuminated birdlike animals that extend 23 feet high and 19 feet long with a wingspan of 13 feet that will come to life on the streets of the Dallas Arts District! Coming from the Netherlands, Close-Act Theatre is renowned for interactive street theatre.
Their unique form of theatre is performed in, between and above the public. “Let us move, draw and carry you into the world we create,” says Hesther Melief, Artistic Director. Birdmen are described as “flying animals operated by mysterious men. We humans are unnoticed by these creatures. Are they living in another dimension and what is their reason to invade our streets.” This event demonstrates placemaking at its best.
Changing Perspectives Block Party will also feature multi award-winning Tejano music artist, Monica Saldivar, the dynamic Kupira Marimba Ensemble from Austin, vibrant singer songwriter and entertainer Dezi 5 Entertainment, community muralist, Fred Villanueva, and pending artists, Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico with Mariachi Aguilas de America and a special art installation through Video Art Nights and Aurora.
Don’t miss this family-friendly event with some of the best artists Dallas has to offer along with food trucks, artisan/makers, a community muralist and more! Dallas Arts District is collaborating with Dallas ISD to bring hundreds of students to a lecture demonstration by Close-Act Theatre: Birdmen at Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House to discuss the magic of the large, illuminated animals and some of the main concepts of STEAM.
“Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Dallas Arts Month, shining a spotlight on the city’s cultural treasures, is a perfect way to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Dallas Arts District. At a time when the arts are critical to bringing our communities together,” says Lily Cabatu Weiss, Executive Director for the Dallas Arts District. “I encourage everyone to embrace the rich culture and history of Dallas and welcome all to explore, experience, and enjoy the arts. Let’s rediscover the human spirit through the arts!”
CALENDAR INFORMATION FOR CHANGING PERSPECTIVES BLOCK PARTY:
Friday, April 14, 2023: 6:30 – 11:00 pm [Rain Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023]
AT&T Performing Arts Center, Sammons Park: 2403 Flora Street between Leonard and Routh Streets, Dallas, TX 75201 | FREE and open to the public.
For more information, click HERE.
About Dallas Arts District:
Located in the northeast corner of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the nation, spanning 118 acres. This iconic neighborhood has more buildings designed by Pritzker award-winning architects than any location in the world. Dallas Arts District unifies culture and commerce offering a dynamic destination for locals and tourists alike while creating a fulfilling urban experience with integrated and exemplary artistic, residential, cultural, and commercial life. It was awarded a maximum 3-star rating by the prestigious Le Guide Vert – Michelin Green Guide and ranked 3rd by USA Today’s 2021 10Best Arts Districts in the nation in 2021 and 2022. For more information, visit dallasartsdistrict.org.
Close-Act Theatre: Birdmen
Birdmen are huge, illuminated animals that rove the streets. These flying animals are operated by mysterious men. We humans are unnoticed by these creatures. Are they living in another dimension and what is their reason to invade our streets.
Close-Act Theatre Company was founded in 1991. Originates from a collaboration between designers, actors, dancers, choreographers, and musicians. Although new acts are being developed from different artistic disciplines, the style of the visual creations is still one of the unique trademarks of Close-Act. The artistic directors of Close-Act are Hesther Melief and Tonny Aerts. Close-Act is renowned for interactive street theatre. Their unique form of theatre is performed in, between and above the public. “Let us move, draw and carry you into the world we create”. What does it mean, interactive theatre? It’s most comparable to reality whereby the most important thing is the emotional rush you get. In these performances you can feel all kinds of emotions, like love, seduction, fear, or compassion. It’s the ultimate way to intensify your perception of the performance. The story, how unreal it may seem, becomes reality. You are part of it just like all others around you.
About Dallas Arts Month
Dallas Arts Month first launched as Dallas Arts Week in 2013, is a city-wide celebration of Dallas Arts, held annually in the month of April. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Arts Month is designed to build awareness and appreciation for the work of Dallas artists and organizations and foster creative learning and activity throughout the city. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in events and programming offered by art and cultural institutions from all disciplines. Click HERE for more information and a schedule of events.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
