The Industry’s ‘Sweet Land’ at Angeles State Historic Park

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21, 2020 - Richard Hodges, with The Industry, performs in, ”Sweet Land," during a rehearsal at Los Angeles State Historic Park on February 21, 2020. “Sweet Land,” is an immersive opera in multiple parts that seeks to explode the myths surrounding colonization, immigration and displacement. Artistic director Yuval Sharon, a MacArthur Genius recipient, joins forces with composers Du Yun and Raven Chacon, as well as artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, to create this site-specific opera. The Industry is an experimental opera troupe that created Invisible Cities (2013) and Hopscotch (2015). Sharon shares directing honors with Cannupa Hanksa Luger. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

“Sweet Land,” a new opera, ponders conquest, immigration and displacement. The outdoor production in Los Angeles State Historic Park is created by the experimental opera company the Industry. Richard Hodges rehearses. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

By Genaro MolinaStaff Photographer

Feb. 28, 2020 6:30 PM PT

The Industry performs in “Sweet Land” at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. Opera is used to explore myths of colonization, immigration and displacement.

Cannupa Hanska Luger, center, the co-director and costume designer, oversees a rehearsal with composers Du Yun, left, and Raven Chacon. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Molly Pease, foreground, and other cast members rehearse ”Sweet Land.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A scene from the opera ”Sweet Land” is rehearsed at Los Angeles State Historic Park. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Kelci Hahn, center, and other cast members rehearse the Industry’s ”Sweet Land.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Composers Du Yun, left, and Raven Chacon, attend rehearsal of their opera ”Sweet Land.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Kelci Hahn rehearses. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Jaquain Sloan, foreground, and Luvi Avendano rehearse ”Sweet Land.” The opera is presented at Los Angeles State Historic Park through March 15. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Entertainment & Arts

Genaro Molina

Genaro Molina is an award-winning staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times. He has worked in journalism for more than 35 years starting at the San Francisco Chronicle. Molina has photographed the life and death of Pope John Paul II, the tragedy of AIDS in Africa, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and Cuba after Castro. His work has appeared in nine books and his photographs have been exhibited extensively including at the Smithsonian Institute and the Annenberg Space for Photography.

The Industry’s ‘Sweet Land’ at Angeles State Historic Park

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