Just Do Art!

KO-RYO DANCE THEATER
In 2001, Pusan, Korea-born choreographer and director Sunhwa Chung (who’d been in the U.S. for seven years) founded Ko-Ryo Dance Theater as a means of exploring themes of separation, unity and cultural interplay.  A member of Korean traditional percussion group Da-de-rae-gi, Chung — whose work strives to put a “faithful emphasis on human emotion and expression” — has made ample room for her musical and philosophical concerns in this latest work (part of Dance New Amsterdam’s “DNA Presents” series). Autobiographical in nature (with a title referencing a popular Korean folk song), “Arirang — We Go Beyond the Crossroad” is a reflection on Chung’s attempt to remain close to her roots as she began to grow beyond her culture. The program features live music composed and performed by Korean Traditional Drummer Vonggu Pak, with accompaniment by violinist Sarang West.

Wed., Oct. 17 through Sat., Oct. 20 at 7:30pm and Sat., Oct. 20 at 3pm. The opening night (free) reception takes place one hour before curtain. Audience members are invited to stay for a post-show discussion immediately following the performance on Oct. 19.  At DNA (280 Broadway; entrance at 53 Chambers St.). Tickets are $17, $14 for students/seniors, $12 for DNA members and advanced sales. To purchase tickets and for more info, visit dnadance.org or call 212-227-9856.

Khaled Ouaaz’s “Trees & Ink.” See “Colorblind.”
An interaction between writer/producer Khaled Ouaaz and an “interesting, older woman” on a crowded N train in the Spring of 2011 got the writer/producer to thinking about practical ways in which mankind could overcome its blinding greed for money. That night, Ouaaz — founder of the independent music/film production company Colorblind Productions — began writing the screenplay for what would ultimately become “Trees & Ink,” which premieres at the Tribeca Film Center — along with three other shorts (“How To Break Up With Your Girlfriend,” “Brushstroke” and “Glimpse”). Ouaaz will be in attendance, along with fellow filmmakers Brandon Culp, Zoi Florosz and Daryl Ferrara. “I’m a believer of destiny,” says Ouaaz. “However, if you told me in 2011 that I would transition over from music to produce my first film, take a trip to Jerusalem and write a religion-based feature all in 2012, I would not believe you.” That modest nod to destiny comes with an open offer. “If I could find a way to reach that lady who inspired me,” asserts Quaaz, “I would take her out to a really fancy dinner.” Maybe she’ll settle for popcorn and a free ticket to the film she set in motion.

Free. Wed., Oct. 17, from 7-8:30pm, at the Tribeca Film Center (375 Greenwich St., btw. N. Moore & Franklin Sts.). Invite only. For inquiries, email khaled.ouaaz@gmail.com.

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