"Where The Wild Things Are" comes alive

Scene from "Where the Wild Things Are" from the Aldeburgh Festival, directed by Netia Jones

Video artist Netia Jones holds a 21st century-style Wild Rumpus in the LA Phil's production of Oliver Knussen's opera version of Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are. With Sendak's blessing, Jones devised a multimedia marvel where live opera singers are projected into Sendak's world, creating an environment where monsters react to the onstage performers and vice versa.

The opera, written by Knussen in conjunction with Sendak, features honorary Wild Thing Gustavo Dudamel leading the LA Philharmonic in the loud, blustery and…well, wild affair.

Gustavo Dudamel and a "Wild Thing". illustrations © Maurice Sendak, images by Netia Jones

If you grew up with Sendak's books and happen to be in Los Angeles this weekend, I highly recommend this performance. You can get tickets here.

Disclosure: I work for the LA Phil.