Michael Moschen
illusions in motion

Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 7:30pm

VMA Arts and Cultural Center
1 Avenue for the Arts, Providence, R.I. [click for map]
One of the world's most visionary performing artists, Michael Moschen, the "juggler without compare" has revolutionized an ancient circus art, transforming it into a mesmerizing form of theatre. Be there as this master of illusion and MacArthur Genius Fellow wields the power of physics, math and art for an unforgettable performance experience.

Ticket prices: $18-$32*
*Includes $2 restoration fee
Box office phone: 401-421-ARTS

Watch more videos of Moschen in motion in the FirstWorks video gallery.

2009 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

FirstWorks Festival 2009

September 24 - November 15, 2009

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
In its sixth year, the 2009 FirstWorks Festival celebrated: icons of music & the moving image, the cultural legacy of American masters, cutting edge digital arts and more. Audience members and students from communities from across the region engaged in exciting performances, "Artist-Up-Close" Q&A sessions, and arts learning workshops.

View photo highlights from our seven-week festival in the FirstWorks photo gallery.

Presented in collaboration with the City of Providence's Dept. of Art, Culture + Tourism.

Summer Lunchtime Concert Series: Rising Stars of FirstWorks at Washington Trust

July - August, 2009

WASHINGTON TRUST DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE BRANCH
Representing FirstWorks and Washington Trust’s shared commitment to community and artistic excellence, this five-week series spotlights the diverse talents of our region’s most inspiring young performers, including vocalists, dancers and musicians.

Performances by: Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School Youth Jazz Combo, Voces de los Andes, JUMP!, Ocean State Children's Choir, and Masti.

Presented with support from:

Angkor Dance Troupe

June 7, 2009

RISD MUSEUM - CHACE CENTER, MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
The nationally acclaimed Angkor Dance Troupe leads audiences on a visually stunning journey through the sights and sounds of ancient Cambodia. In the hands of young dancers, coconuts and fishing nets bring to life the lively rhythms of the countryside. Families will thrill to the splendor of mischievous mermaids and monkeys meeting onstage in colorful epic pursuit.

"Dancing Silks" Pre-show presentation

RISD MUSEUM - CHACE CENTER, MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
Join us before the Ankgor Dance Troupe performance for a closer look at the ancient costumes and characters of Cambodian dance. A panel of cultural experts will present "Dancing Silks," an exploration of the fabrics, fashions and archetypal figures that propelled these riveting stories through centuries of live performance.

View photo highlights in the FirstWorks online gallery

Heather Henson's "Handmade Puppet Dreams Vol. I"

Film screening and artist appearance

April 27, 2009

RISD MUSEUM - CHACE CENTER - MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
From the humorous to the horrifying, this zany collection of film shorts showcases the rising stars of cutting-edge puppetry. As part of our year-round programming, FirstWorks welcomes RISD alums Heather Henson and Emmy nominated puppet designer Paul Andrejco for an Artist-Up-Close screening of “Handmade Puppet Dreams, Vol. I”. Daughter of the beloved puppetry pioneer Jim Henson, Heather introduces a new generation of puppeteers through her handpicked series of independently produced film shorts, exploring unique approaches to animation through a spectrum of puppetry styles.

View photo highlights in the FirstWorks online gallery

Presented in collaboration with the Rhode Island School of Design's Office of Student Life.

The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma

March 6, 2009

U.S. Tour Premiere Performance - Providence Performing Arts Center
Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his brilliant Silk Road Ensemble launch their U.S. tour in Providence with an unforgettable evening of music-making. Hailed as a modern Marco Polo, Ma unites artists from regions of the ancient Asia-Europe trade route known as the Silk Road to create musical experiences which have delighted audiences around the world. Together with Ma, these powerful Silk Road musicians set off on a cross-cultural journey to reach the heart of understanding.

Watch video highlights from our Season of the Silk Road

First Course with FirstWorks

March 1- March 6, 2009

Experience local flavor! Illustrious Providence restaurants celebrated FirstWorks’ “Season of the Silk Road” with a tantalizing offer: from Sunday, March 1st through Friday, March 6th, enjoy a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any regular dinner entrée.

Participating restaurants included: Aspire, CAV, Costantino’s, Local 121, Rue de L’Espoir, Temple Downtown.

The Silk Road Celebration

post-performance party

March 6, 2009

Your once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate the Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma as they launch their North American concert tour in Providence! Sip champagne, sample signature cocktails and savor sweet delights with members of the Silk Road Ensemble at the Hotel Providence Ballroom, immediately following the performance at Providence Performing Arts Center.

Co-hosted by the Honorable David N. Cicilline, Mayor of Providence, Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director, FirstWorks.