Creatures of Light
In a dark forest turned junkyard of electronic waste and radiation, electrical currents pulse through the ground and mushroom mycelium. A mad scientist is plugging in cords to create glowing creatures. An AI "Frankenstein's Monster"-therapist warns onlookers not to gaze too long, as these beautiful beings observe humanity in return, absorbing emotions that help them evolve. However, excessive emotional connection can trigger instability and explosive reactions, leading to feelings of shock and grief for the observer. The AI therapist offers support for those affected.
"Creatures of Light"
In a dark area of the Forest, "Creatures of Light" is a community of tricky creatures that play on our feelings. They challenge our feelings because they give us wonderful feelings, but can also evoke frustration, disappointment, and pain. They make us feel loved, appreciated, and accepted, and then, when we least expect it--reject us.
"Creatures of Light"
In a dark area of the Forest, "Creatures of Light" is a community of tricky creatures that play on our feelings. They challenge our feelings because they give us wonderful feelings, but can also evoke frustration, disappointment, and pain. They make us feel loved, appreciated, and accepted, and then, when we least expect it--reject us.
Creatures of Light
In a dark forest turned junkyard of electronic waste and radiation, electrical currents pulse through the ground and mushroom mycelium. A mad scientist is plugging in cords to create glowing creatures. An AI "Frankenstein's Monster"-therapist warns onlookers not to gaze too long, as these beautiful beings observe humanity in return, absorbing emotions that help them evolve. However, excessive emotional connection can trigger instability and explosive reactions, leading to feelings of shock and grief for the observer. The AI therapist offers support for those affected.
"The Riddle of the Old Man & His Nurse" & "A Safe House in Tenderloin"
Description of Event:
“The Riddle of the Old Man & His Nurse”
Is a phase within the experimental opera being developed by Lucada Mélange titled “Les Berceaux & the Lighthouse” Mvmt 2: “Forest Junctions”
Themes: Addiction & Codependency
An old man dwells in a small home in the Forest. He is cared for by his nurse who feeds him poisonous mushrooms to keep him sick, so that she has someone to nurse back to health. When he realizes that she’s doing this, he purposeful continues to eat the poisonous mushroom, so he can be cared for by her.
‘A Safe House in Tenderloin”
Themes: Addiction & fear of self actualization
“A Safe House in Tenderloin,” created by Lucada Mélange, featuring Carmen’s “Habanera” by Bizet sung by Dianna Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Donna Ahmadi (Butoh & choreography), and Derek J. Weagle (orchestral arrangement) is an eco-feminist and female reclamation piece highlighting the history of crime, drugs, and prostitution in the Garment District, formerly known as the “Tenderloin District.” With the resonances of “Blue Bird” by Bukowski, this piece explores themes that allude to the right to a woman’s safe house in her body and a deep yearning to be freed from human trafficking.
"The Riddle of the Old Man & his Nurse" & "A Safe House in Tenderloin"
Description of Event:
“The Riddle of the Old Man & His Nurse”
Is a phase within the experimental opera being developed by Lucada Mélange titled “Les Berceaux & the Lighthouse” Mvmt 2: “Forest Junctions”
Themes: Addiction & Codependency
An old man dwells in a small home in the Forest. He is cared for by his nurse who feeds him poisonous mushrooms to keep him sick, so that she has someone to nurse back to health. When he realizes that she’s doing this, he purposeful continues to eat the poisonous mushroom, so he can be cared for by her.
‘A Safe House in Tenderloin”
Themes: Addiction & fear of self actualization
“A Safe House in Tenderloin,” created by Lucada Mélange, featuring Carmen’s “Habanera” by Bizet sung by Dianna Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Donna Ahmadi (Butoh & choreography), and Derek J. Weagle (orchestral arrangement) is an eco-feminist and female reclamation piece highlighting the history of crime, drugs, and prostitution in the Garment District, formerly known as the “Tenderloin District.” With the resonances of “Blue Bird” by Bukowski, this piece explores themes that allude to the right to a woman’s safe house in her body and a deep yearning to be freed from human trafficking.
"The Uprooteds" & "The Red Wall & The Harold"
Description of Event:
There will be two pieces that are a part of an experimental opera being developed by Lucada Mélange titled “Les Berceaux & the Lighthouse” Mvmt 2: “Forest Junctions”
“The Uprooteds”
On the outskirts of the Forest exists a tight-knit community of people called "The Uprooteds," who have faced personal struggles and societal rejection. Many deal with mental illness or feel like outcasts, foraging for survival or, at times, resorting to stealing. Yet, in their shared experiences, there are moments of deep connection and love among those who understand their journeys. Bound together by painful histories, they are rooted in the forest edge. Unable to see beyond their need to survive, they can't see to enter into the possibilities of what the forest has to offer.
“The Red Wall & The Harold”
Further into the Forest's edge, people are found trapped in a Red Wall, and Red Blockhead Characters are trying to break through, but are stuck due to their rigid thinking. A Herald atop the wall warns that society must confront its challenges and embrace new perspectives to overcome the barrier. The soul of the inner child appears on a cradle-shaped swing--and sings an enticing tune when one Red Blockhead changes their thinking, and is transformed into a bouquet of wildflowers. A door in the wall appears to welcome all who are willing to see inside themselves to enter.
"The Uprooteds" & "The Red Wall & The Harold"
Description of Event:
There will be two pieces that are phases of an experimental opera being developed by Lucada Mélange titled “Les Berceaux & the Lighthouse” Mvmt 2: “Forest Junctions”
“The Uprooteds”
On the outskirts of the Forest exists a tight-knit community of people called "The Uprooteds," who have faced personal struggles and societal rejection. Many deal with mental illness or feel like outcasts, foraging for survival or, at times, resorting to stealing. Yet, in their shared experiences, there are moments of deep connection and love among those who understand their journeys. Bound together by painful histories, they are rooted in the forest edge. Unable to see beyond their need to survive, they can't see to enter into the possibilities of what the forest has to offer.
“The Red Wall & The Harold”
Further into the Forest's edge, people are found trapped in a Red Wall, and Red Blockhead Characters are trying to break through, but are stuck due to their rigid thinking. A Herald atop the wall warns that society must confront its challenges and embrace new perspectives to overcome the barrier. The soul of the inner child appears on a cradle-shaped swing--and sings an enticing tune when one Red Blockhead changes their thinking, and is transformed into a bouquet of wildflowers. A door in the wall appears to welcome all who are willing to see inside themselves to enter.
"The Uprooteds"
On the outskirts of the Forest exists a tight-knit community of people called "The Uprooteds," who have faced personal struggles and societal rejection. Many deal with mental illness or feel like outcasts, foraging for survival or, at times, resorting to stealing. Yet, in their shared experiences, there are moments of deep connection and love among those who understand their journeys. Bound together by painful histories, they are rooted in the forest edge. Unable to see beyond their need to survive, they can't see to enter into the possibilities of what the forest has to offer.
“The Uprooteds”
On the outskirts of the Forest exists a tight-knit community of people called "The Uprooteds," who have faced personal struggles and societal rejection. Many deal with mental illness or feel like outcasts, foraging for survival or, at times, resorting to stealing. Yet, in their shared experiences, there are moments of deep connection and love among those who understand their journeys. Bound together by painful histories, they are rooted in the forest edge. Unable to see beyond their need to survive, they can't see to enter into the possibilities of what the forest has to offer.
"Chroma"
“Chroma” is a Lucada Mélange Art Film
Description: Long, cold winters may bury driftwood beneath the snow, but the warmth of the community shines brightly like the sun. The seeds of color lie within us, waiting to emerge when we least expect it.
Selected for UNFIX NYC Film Festival 2025
Won a Special Award for Interdisciplinary Film
“A Safe House in Tenderloin”
“A Safe House in Tenderloin,” created by Lucada Mélange, featuring Carmen’s “Habanera” by Bizet sung by Dianna Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Donna Ahmadi (Butoh & choreography), and Derek J. Weagle (orchestral arrangement) is an eco-feminist and female reclamation piece highlighting the history of crime, drugs, and prostitution in the Garment District, formerly known as the “Tenderloin District.” With the resonances of “Blue Bird” by Bukowski, this piece explores themes that allude to the right to a woman’s safe house in her body and a deep yearning to be freed from human trafficking.
Interdisciplinary Art: Opera, Butoh, Music Arrangement, Costume, Sets, Poetic themes, Immersive-Installation.
"Sounds of Snow"
The air right before the first snowflake forms: the smell of cold air, freezing water vapor, and stillness. The sky starts to turn white like snow. The process by which the first snowflake forms itself and crystallizes into its unique shape, then finds its home.
An Immersive performance with Poetry, Music, Sound and Movement.
"A Safe House in Tenderloin"
“A Safe House in Tenderloin,” created by Lucada Mélange, featuring Carmen’s “Habanera” by Bizet sung by Dianna Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Donna Ahmadi (Butoh & choreography), and Derek J. Weagle (orchestral arrangement) is an eco-feminist and female reclamation piece highlighting the history of crime, drugs, and prostitution in the Garment District, formerly known as the “Tenderloin District.” With the resonances of “Blue Bird” by Bukowski, this piece explores themes that allude to the right to a woman’s safe house in her body and a deep yearning to be freed from human trafficking.
Commissioned by the Garment District Alliance to perform in front of the Sculptures on W. 39th and Broadway.
Hot Chocolate served for all.
Interdisciplinary Art: Opera, Butoh, Music Arrangement, Costume, Sets, Poetic themes, Immersive-Installation.
"A Safe House in Tenderloin"
“A Safe House in Tenderloin,” created by Lucada Mélange, featuring Carmen’s “Habanera” by Bizet sung by Dianna Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Donna Ahmadi (Butoh & choreography), and Derek J. Weagle (orchestral arrangement) is an eco-feminist and female reclamation piece highlighting the history of crime, drugs, and prostitution in the Garment District, formerly known as the “Tenderloin District.” With the resonances of “Blue Bird” by Bukowski, this piece explores themes that allude to the right to a woman’s safe house in her body and a deep yearning to be freed from human trafficking. The window display will be performed as an interdisciplinary artwork in Beyond Fashion, a month-long immersive installation festival. Please wander by for unique performances that are free and open to the public.
Interdisciplinary Art: Opera, Butoh, Music Arrangement, Costume, Sets, Poetic themes, Immersive-Installation.