On Feb. 25, Cal Poly Arts welcomed Lightwire Theater to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo to perform “Dino-Light,” a glow-in-the-dark experience illustrated through puppetry, dance and state-of-the-art lighting technology, Cal Poly Arts Director Molly Clark said.
In a nearly sold-out show, Lightwire Theater’s 59-minute performance utilized light, technology and music to tell the story of a scientist bringing a friendly dinosaur to life with magic. Five of Lightwire Theater’s ensemble members used electroluminescent technology to portray different characters and props, ensemble member Tristan Rodney said.
“Each ensemble member plays a main character on stage, and then we also each play multiple other characters and even props,” Rodney said. “Most of the time the focus is on the main characters, but a lot of the magic happens when you can’t see us and we are holding light-up props to help create a larger image.”
The performers’ suits and props, which are constructed using common household items such as aluminum rods and fishing poles, are lined with black fabric and electroluminescent wire, Rodney said. The suits are battery-powered and provide a 360-degree image of glowing light, creating depictions of 16-ft tall birds, dinosaurs, flowers and swords.
“When we perform, the costumes become a part of us,” Rodney said. “Sometimes the costumes can weigh up to 25 pounds, but it is worth it for such a great final product.”
Clark emphasized that Lightwire Theater’s unique performance appeals to many audiences, making it perfect for Cal Poly and the greater San Luis Obispo community. Tickets were sold for $15 for Cal Poly students and $26-$40 for non-students, Clark said.
“Lightwire Theater has the unique ability to transcend between generations,” Clark said. “It’s awe-inspiring work, and the way they blend dance, puppetry and technology is really entertaining for all ages.”
Ensemble member Jesse Alan Forcha said his favorite shows are those with lots of kids in attendance.
“The excitement we get from the kids in the audience when we perform is just the best,” Forcha said. “It never gets old, it is so energizing when we’re on stage and the kids are so animated and their minds are blown when our suits turn on.”