Dragons are among humanity’s most enduring obsessions.
Buddha tamed a dragon. Saint George slew one. Irish mythology tells of an “apocalyptic beast” that lies in wait in Loch Bel Dracon to avenge the death of John the Baptist. The Sumerians, Greeks, Babylonians, Norse, Native Americans and Assyrians all had dragons — in addition to the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans. Some hunt children, while others take the form of donkeys. Some live in lakes, while others live in sparkling palaces.
In “Dragon’s Night: Dusk of the Swollen Sun,” produced by Tiny Fest and Embodiment Project at Bandaloop Studios in West Oakland, the globe’s various dragon myths commingle in an evening of dance, video art, music, poetry and immersive performance.
Nicole Klaymoon’s hourlong “Dusk of the Swollen Sun” is the program’s centerpiece, exploring through movement Saul Williams’ notion of artists as death doulas who can help guide us out of fascism and imperialism and into what’s beyond.