Silent Roar
Silent Roar, created, choreographed, and directed by Zina Bethun, is a most unique and beautiful production that opened October 7, at the El Portal Theatre, and unfortunately, has a closing date of October 16. This production combines exceptional talent in the fields of dance, gymnastics, cirque-style aerial stunts and acting.
Subtitled A Whale's Journey, Silent Roar tells the story of a family of whales (imagine humans performing as whales and other sea creatures!) as they make their journey up and down the coasts of the North American Continent and the perils they come upon in their venture.
They begin in the cold waters of Alaska and follow down the continent to Baja, all the while, the scenes changing from ice and snow to warmer climates (projected on a large back screen and two smaller side screens). Seeing the stage itself, listening to the sound track, and watching the movements of the performers give a feeling of watching from outside by the ocean. Special mention for all of this goes to Wyland (mural and video artwork), Tod Hillman (video design), special effects design (Embrace the Void Design), effects technology (PRG, Phillip Galler), lighting design (Ric Zimmerman), scenic design (David Goldstein), costume design (Melanie Gomez), and oceanographer consultant (Cynthis Matzke Baer), as well as to a cast of twenty-one magnificent artistes. The original music, by Zeljko Marasovich, adds to the sensation of the production.
Silent Roar is presented by The Annenberg Foundation and Theatre Bethune at the El Portal Theatre (main stage), 5269 Lankershim Blvd., in North Hollywood.