Edgar Arceneaux and Frank Lawson
Edgar Arceneaux and Frank Lawson
Place Is The Space
1262 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Runtime: 4 hours
No formal intermission, patrons may flow in and out as needed.
Presented in partnership with the Hammer Museum
"To tell a story is one thing, but to paint the picture of identity and infamy within its true reality is Arceneaux's artistry at its best." — Flaunt
Place Is the Space is a four-hour immersive performance experience combining live jazz improvisation, theatrical storytelling and multimedia design inspired by Sun Ra’s philosophy and his film Space Is the Place. The work functions as both a concert and an experiential ritual where musicians, performers, visual elements and audience members collectively shape the space into a place. Metaphorically building the vehicle that Sun Ra aspired towards, expressing Afrofuturistic themes of transcendence, liberation and joy.
This cosmic jam session culminates in the audience crowning a "New Sun Ra," who leads the full audience on a pilgrimage to the Hammer Museum for one final performance, where everyone is invited to play along.
Presented in conjunction with the Hammer Museum’s current exhibition SPACE IS THE PLACE, which frames “space” as a conceptual framework inspired by the works and views of experimental jazz artist Sun Ra. Arceneaux’s contribution also marks his second collaboration with CAP UCLA, after 2024’s Boney Manilli.
UCLA Nimoy Theater is located at 1262 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024. For GPS, use 10866 Wilshire Blvd to reach the parking structure. The entrance is on Glendon Avenue — look for either entrance marked VISITOR. Parking is $4, beginning at 5 pm for evening performances and 12 pm for matinees. Arriving before these times will incur the $30 day parking fee.
The box office is open Monday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm, and opens 60 minutes before showtime on show nights. The box office is cashless and accepts all major credit cards. For day-of questions, call 310-206-8655. For general inquiries, contact info@cap.ucla.edu or call 310-825-4401.
All late seating is based on availability and at the discretion of house manager.
Accessible seating and assistive listening are available. Ask any house staff member for assistance. For additional accommodations, contact info@cap.ucla.edu.
Beer, wine, mixed beverages, water, soda, and coffee are available in the lobby. Valid ID required for alcohol. Credit cards and cash accepted. For nearby restaurant options, visit the UCLA Nimoy Theater page.
A digital house program for this performance is available to view or download before the show. Find it on the CAP UCLA Program Notes page.
If the performance is sold out, join the standby line at the box office on the night of the show. A waitlist may also be available — if tickets are released, you will be notified by email with a window to purchase.
