Open Call: Thanushka Yakupitiyage

DJ set: AUG 25, 2019, 5:30 pm
A sound and video installation featuring interviews of migrants across the country (30th Street Lobby, August 9 – 25), with a DJ set by the artist on the Plaza on August 25

Tickets

The installation MigrantScape will be on view in the 30th Street Lobby from August 9 to 25. The artist will perform a DJ set on The Shed’s Plaza at 5:30 pm on August 25 as part of this commission.

FREE

Tickets to Open Call are free. Reservations for Group 3 on The Shed’s Plaza are encouraged, but not required.

In the event of inclement weather, check our social media channels @theshedny for updates about individual performances.

Thanushka Yakupitiyage, MigrantScape, 2019, performed as part of Open Call: Group 3 at The Shed, New York, August 25, 2019. Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk.
Dancer and DJ performing on outdoor stage.
Thanushka Yakupitiyage, MigrantScape, 2019, performed as part of Open Call: Group 3 at The Shed, New York, August 25, 2019. Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk.
Singer singing on outdoor stage.
Thanushka Yakupitiyage, MigrantScape, 2019, performed as part of Open Call: Group 3 at The Shed, New York, August 25, 2019. Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk.
Performer singing and playing harp on outdoor stage.
Thanushka Yakupitiyage, MigrantScape, 2019, performed as part of Open Call: Group 3 at The Shed, New York, August 25, 2019. Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk.
Dancer and DJ performing on outdoor stage.
Thanushka Yakupitiyage, MigrantScape, 2019, performed as part of Open Call: Group 3 at The Shed, New York, August 25, 2019. Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk.

About this commission

MigrantScape is an audiovisual installation documenting the stories of four immigrants of differing immigration statuses living in New York and El Paso. The piece contends with the individuals’ relationship to America’s immigration system and increased border militarization. MigrantScape calls on viewers to reflect on the personal tolls that a restrictive, fear-based system creates. The piece is accompanied by archival research and interviews available at migrantscape.com.

The artist will perform a DJ set incorporating sounds from the installation on The Shed’s Plaza at 5:30 pm on August 25 as part of this commission.

Bio
Thanushka Yakupitiyage is a Sri Lankan-born, Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist, DJ, cultural organizer, and activist. Yakupitiyage’s art incorporates sound production and storytelling. She’s also known by the artist name Ushka.
Creative Team
Thanushka Yakupitiyage, Creator, Director, and Producer
Mariana Martin Capriles, Video Editing and Design
Adam Partridge a.k.a. Atropolis, Audio Production
Nadia Awad, Associate Producer, Sound
Suzi Sadler, Videography and Photography
Production Credits
Claudia Norman, Associate Producer
Sarah Pier, Production Coordinator
Nathan Claus, Stage Manager
Stefan Carrillo, Head Carpenter
Gustavo Valdes, Head Electrician
Jim Van Bergen, Head Audio
Colin Roche, Head Rigger
Itohan Edoloyi, Lighting Design Coordinator
Jake Maize, Associate Lighting Design Coordinator
Patrick Lachance, Sound Design Coordinator
Fumika Tanaka, Production Assistant

Location and dates

This event takes place in the Plaza.
Installation: August 9 – 25, 2019 (30th Street Lobby)
DJ set: August 25, 5:30 pm (Plaza)

Details

  • This program include an installation in the 30th Street Lobby and a DJ set on August 25
  • Running time: 60 minutes (DJ set)

Acknowledgments

Thanushka Yakupitiyage thanks the incredible people who shared their stories for this work: Ravi Ragbir, Cynthia Pompa, Audu Kadiri, and Sara Martinez. She is grateful to the love, care, and support of so much of her community and family, including her partner, Shelby Chestnut, her sister Tharanga Yakupitiyage, her best friend Rage Kidvai, and collaborators Mariana Martin-Capriles, Adam Partridge, Nadia Awad, Suzi Sadler. Thanks also to Josh Begley, Emmanuel Iduma, Zari Esaian, Wayne Heller, Ivie Feliciano, Jamilah King, New Sanctuary Coalition, the A/P/A Institute at NYU, and CultureStrike.
In The Works