Music, storytelling combine in Jewel Box show
March 3, 2017
Southern New Mexico’s Theatre Dojo performs “Killing Buddha,” an original play with music, as part of the El Paso Community Foundation Jewel Box Series at the Philanthropy Theatre.
“Killing Buddha” will be performed at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12 in the Philanthropy Theatre on the second floor of the Plaza Annex in the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.
Tickets are $16 at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com (additional online charges may apply), and 800-745-3000.
The play is based on a legend in which the historical Buddha encounters a serial killer in search of atonement.
“‘Killing Buddha’ picks up on the theme of rage and violence, and finds its way to a story to about redemption and transformation,” writer-director Algernon D’Ammassa said.
It contains serious themes, but is suitable for families.
D’Ammassa, seen in last month’s sold-out Jewel Box performances of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” and nationally known multi-instrumentalist Randy Granger play mysterious storytellers who take ancient legends and relate them to the modern world, making reference to contemporary issues and themes.
Portions of the play are improvised. During a trial scene, the audience is invited to comment on the case.
It includes music by Granger, who plays a variety of flutes, stringed instruments, and percussion, including found objects such as buckets, wine bottles, and plastic water jugs.
The Jewel Box Series, a showcase for area performing arts groups, is produced in partnership with El Paso Live.
