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The Department of Theatre and Dance will present an immersive theatrical projectTaming the Lightning, conceived, directed, designed and composed by Granada Artists-in-Residence David Adam Moore and Vita Tzykun. This new immersive work focuses on climate resilience.

The installation will be available June 3, 4 and 5 in the Arena Theatre, Wright Hall. Beginning at 7 p.m., the immersive experience’s time span is determined by the participant as they travel through the project.

The event is free, but due to space limitations, audience capacity will be restricted and made available on a first come, first sign-up basis. Sign-ups sheets will be available May 28. 

The project’s title references a Silicon Valley quote about harnessing forces of nature to create artificial intelligence: “We have tamed lightning and used it to teach sand to think.” However, instead of celebrating human dominance over nature, Taming the Lightning seeks to challenge this notion by examining the illusory boundaries we construct between ourselves and the living world of which we are an integral part.

Students will collaborate with Tzykun and Moore to create an immersive environment that blends performative, digital, and tactile elements. This multifaceted installation will incorporate storytelling tools such as 3D projection mapping, sensor technology, multi-channel spatial sound, live performances, plant sonification, and extended reality experiences. The project culminates in a work-in-progress installation open to audiences at the end of the quarter.

This immersive experience uses VR headsets that may cause discomfort such as dizziness, nausea, eye strain, or disorientation. If you have a history of seizures, epilepsy, motion sickness, heart conditions, or are pregnant, please consult a doctor before participating. We recommend taking breaks as needed and stopping immediately if you feel unwell. Please remain seated while wearing the headset and be mindful of your surroundings to avoid injury. Children under 13 are not permitted to use the VR equipment. Your safety and comfort are our top priority; please notify staff if you need assistance at any time.

The project is a collaboration among the Departments of Theatre and Dance, Design, Music and Cinema and Digital Media, the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, and the UC Davis Arboretum.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is part of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. For information about other department productions, visit theatredance.ucdavis.edu.