King Gilgamesh
Credits Part I Credits Part II News

Layla Isis Ellison as "The Priestess" in King Gilgamesh	The Ensemble in King Gilgamesh "Humbaba is the Face of Death"	Mask Gue Pelou as "Humbaba" in King Gilgamesh
Photographs By Leonard Spencer

Coming in 2006...

How far would you go to save a friend from Death?

One of the most ancient works of world literature comes thrillingly to life in King Gilgamesh. Adapted for the stage by Suzanne von Eck, this epic tale of the loss of a friend and the search for immortality combines theatre with music and Afro-Caribbean, Middle Eastern and West African dance and drumming to create a vibrant spectacle of loss and renewal.

Part I: Gilgamesh and Enkidu tells the story of the friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, their battle with the demon-god Humbaba and the death of Enkidu.

Part II: The Quest tells of Gilgamesh's desperate search to bring his friend back to life, and his perilous journey across the Sea of Death.

More about Part I: Gilgamesh and Enkidu
Vado Diomande, accomplished master dancer and choreographer, choreographs and performs West African stilt dancing in King Gilgamesh in the role of Humbaba. Mr. Diomande, formerly with the National Ballet of Ivory Coast (Ballet National de Cote D'Ivoire), has performed throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. Mr. Diomande, acting as a medium for the spirit of a nine-foot tall Mask called Gue-Pelou, performs dances and acrobatic feats in the show. In this role, the nine-foot tall Mask is a bridge between the world of the living and the spiritual realm of the ancestors.

More about Part II: The Quest
The Quest of Gilgamesh features Special Guest Artists from three different dance and music traditions: Vado Diomande, accomplished master dancer and drummer, formerly with the National Ballet of Ivory Coast (Ballet National de Cote D’Ivoire); Mara Rivera, Afro-Caribbean choreographer and dancer; Dick Barsamian, master Middle Eastern musician and Middle Eastern Dancers Jenna, Naomi and Serpentessa (who performs with a live boa constrictor).

The music in The Quest is based on traditional music and chants of the Middle East and of Guest Artist Vado Diomande's people, the Mahouka of West Africa. The West African Songs are arranged by Music Director Franca Vercelloni and are sung in Mahou.

The music in King Gilgamesh is based on the traditional songs of Guest Artist Vado Diomande's people, the Mahouka of West Africa, and arranged by Music Director Franca Vercelloni. They are sung in Mahou.

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