Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA announces free L.A. show for his classical album, ‘A Ballet Through Mud’

Wu-Tang Clan's RZA announces free L.A. show for his classical album, 'A Ballet Through Mud'

As a seasoned film and music enthusiast with a penchant for unconventional storytelling, I must say that RZA’s “A Ballet Through Mud” is a masterstroke of artistic fusion that transcends traditional boundaries. Having had the privilege of witnessing various forms of artistic expressions throughout my life, I can confidently assert that this ballet-hip hop amalgamation is nothing short of breathtaking.


This summer, Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA ventured into uncharted waters by releasing his first orchestral album titled “A Ballet Through Mud”. Now, the hip-hop pioneer is set to bring this album to life with a live performance that’s open to all, happening on November 4 at the Los Angeles Theater.

In 2023, “A Ballet Through Mud”, a captivating coming-of-age story composed by RZA, first took the stage with the Colorado Symphony providing the music. This production, described as exploring the intricacies of life, friendship, and personal growth, was presented on its studio album. The characters in this ballet are named after Greek musical scales and depict RZA’s own transformation, from residing in Staten Island projects to gracing concert halls.

Following two evenings of thunderous applause, RZA, who has worked on film soundtracks such as Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” volumes 1 and 2, expressed his immense joy at presenting “A Ballet through Mud” to the L.A. crowd. He is eager for more people to witness this transformative and inspiring production.

On a single occasion, an event taking place in collaboration with Platoon, 36 Chambers, and Classical California KUSC, will be orchestrated by Oliver Zeffman. Students and alumni from USC Thornton School of Music, as well as Sorzano Dance Works ballet troupe, will participate in the performance. Tickets for this event can be reserved now.

Choreographer Yusha-Marie Sorzano, responsible for the Colorado production as well, comments that “A Ballet Through Mud” serves as a striking demonstration of the power of cooperation and innovation. By blending the unique spheres of classical dance and hip hop, it not only creates an innovative stage but also fosters fresh artistic dialects.

The song “A Ballet Through Mud” was unveiled on Aug. 30 through Platoon and 36 Chambers, having been crafted when RZA stumbled upon an old notebook during the pandemic, containing verses he’d penned as a teenager.

RZA states that he’s essentially been creating music throughout his entire life, even if he wasn’t aware of it at first. Regarding the 11-track album, he explains that its development was deeply impacted by his spiritual exploration into Chan Buddhism.

The concept behind “A Ballet Through Mud” stems from my initial creative endeavors during my teenage years. However, its themes are broadly applicable – love, discovery, and adventure. I aspire that it serves as a soundtrack for your lives, enabling you to find enchantment in everyday activities like a trip to the grocery store or spending time with loved ones, transforming these moments into something extraordinary, igniting inspiration and allowing your minds to wander into a new realm, even if just for a brief instance.

The live performance is set to take place only a few months following RZA and the rest of Wu-Tang Clan breaking records by becoming the inaugural hip-hop group to establish a Las Vegas residency.

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2024-10-24 20:31

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