C. Ryder Cooley brought attention to the disappearance and death of animals using music, video images, and theatrical performances
MCLA Presents! started this semester off with another encapsulating performance: “XMALIA.”
It’s a word that is hard to pronounce, never mind understand.
However, professional artist C. Ryder Cooley brought definition, as well as beauty to the stage in Venable Gym last Wednesday as she performed a tribute to the multiple species who have met an unfortunate demise.
Pronounced “zi-mahlia,” Cooley and her crew portray the devastation of many species of animals that have gone extinct over time, from specific kinds of sheep to giant deer. Cooley presented music, video images, and intricate aerial work. With ropes and sheets hanging down from the ceiling, Cooley swung in slow motion over the audience, playing her small guitar with animal heads attached to her shoulders.
Yes, animal heads.
“XMALIA’s” goal was to bring attention to the disappearance and death of so many animals; animals that posed no threat, but still were brought to a very bitter end. Cooley brought the audience to a haunted still as she flew above them all in remembrance of the dodo, giving a noble tribute to the bird many are so quick to label stupid.
“It’s kind of chilly,” said junior Laura Pettengill. “The show has this eeriness about it, but it was meaningful. She [Cooley] is letting people know animals are being harmed.”
The emotional message of Cooley’s performance was just that; to remind people that despite the increasing trends of veganism, vegetarianism, and animal rights, many creatures are still in danger.
Some harm is being done by humans, but there is inevitable harm through changes within nature and how it transforms throughout the years. Yet Cooley does not call for immediate change, or despair in hopelessness. Instead, she causes those who see her fly through air to be grateful for what they can experience, for tomorrow those wonderful things may not be there anymore.
“I have a good relationship with Ryder,” expressed senior Shannon Costello, an arts management student who interned this past summer with DownStreet Art. Costello helped to manage a gallery dedicated to Cooley’s visual art. “It’s really interesting to experience her multiple talents, as she is an inter-disciplinary artist.”
MCLA Presents! has a full schedule for February, including the 7th Annual Blues and Funk Festival, a two-night extravaganza of modern blues, jazz, and hip-hop. The first night takes place this Friday, Feb. 3 at Public Eat & Drink on Holden Street featuring local artist Misty Blues to give jazz a modern twist.
Saturday night highlights African-born, New York-based rapper and producer Blitz the Ambassador spitting out politically-fueled rhymes with an old-school flow. For more information, check out www.mcla.edu/presents and get acquainted with some entertainment.
