Universes brings an eclectic theater fusion performance to the College of Saint Benedict

The Fine Arts Series presents Universes at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at Petters Auditorium in the Benedicta Arts Center of the College of Saint Benedict. This performance will feature Live from the Edge, a “best of” performance showcasing the ensemble’s special brand of theater. Please note that this performance contains adult language.

Universes is an ensemble of multi-disciplined writers and performers who fuse poetry, theater, jazz, hip-hop, politics, down home blues and Spanish boleros to create moving, challenging and entertaining theatrical works. The group breaks the bounds of traditional theater to create their own brand of performance, inviting old and new generations of theater-goers and newcomers to reshape the face of American theater. The company recently returned from a four-continent tour, which was a collaboration between Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department to carry American music abroad on the Rhythm Road Tour.

Universes grew out of New York City’s poetry scene. Varying in age range, ethnic backgrounds and experiences, each ensemble member brings a different element of style to create four collaborating Universes in one very real world: Steven Sapp delivers the voice of jazz and literary style from the ’70s to now; Mildred Ruiz mixes Spanish boleros with gospel, the blues and contemporary sounds and images; Gamal Chasten brings his lyricism and music; and Ninja brings the voice which grinds through the urban streets. Since 1996, Universes has worked steadily on building their craft, both as ensemble members and solo performers.

The Village Voice newspaper calls Universes “a headlong explosion of poetry, percussion and multi-culti musical exploration that absolutely demands to be seen.”

Ticket prices for Universes are $24, or senior (ages 60+)/youth (ages 5-21) $19. For tickets, call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-5777 or order online at www.csbsju.edu/finearts.