in tHe sPirit oF CAGE: Revolutionary composer John Cage's spirit lives on at UC Davis, where an eclectic program titled in tHe sPirit oF CAGE is scheduled for Jan. 13 as part of the Mondavi Center's Creativity Project.

The program features music by UC Davis' Empyrean Ensemble in the center's Studio Theatre, and art and sound installations in the lobby.

Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Cage (1912-1992) challenged fundamental assumptions regarding music, sound, composition and meaning. He was an artist-in-residence at UC Davis in 1969.

The program lists two of his works: A Musicircus and what is undoubtedly his most notorious piece: 4'33" -- four minutes and 33 seconds of silence. Cage is the inspiration for the program's other works: Craig T. Walsh's Cookin' the Books; Pamela Z's Twenty Answers; Luciano Chessa's Inkless Imagination IV, for chamber ensemble, turntable and wireless flying blimp; and Derek Bermel's Coming Together, for clarinet and cello.

In the lobby, look for works inspired by Cage's philosophies about sound, art, chance and space: Kardex, an interactive installation by Robin Hill of the art department and Sam Nichols from music; Quartet, a sound installation by Christopher Burns; and works by students in the technocultural studies program.

A "Demystifying the Music" lecture is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 7.

Cage collaborated frequently with Merce Cunningham, whose dance company is due at the Mondavi Center April 25 and 26 for the Creativity Project.

THIRDeYE THEATRE FESTIVAL: The theatre and dance department announced these selections for the 2008 THIRDeEYE Theatre Festival: Brigid's Reign by John Crosthwaite; Ghost, Bathtub, Windmill by Elise Kane; and Miracle Fish by Kellie Raines.

The annual festival presents student-written plays selected from scripts submitted the previous year; the scripts are then developed by student dramaturges, directors, actors, designers and production crews.

All three plays are presented at every performance. Performances are set for 8 p.m. Jan. 17 (preview), Jan. 18-19 and Jan. 24-26, and 2 p.m. Jan. 27, all in the Wyatt Pavilion Theatre.

TICKETS

Tickets for in tHe sPirIt oF CAGE and the THIRDeYE Theatre Festival are available through the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts box office: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org.

2 SELLOUTS

The Mondavi Center reported sellouts for two January concerts, both featuring legendary violinists: Itzhak Perlman, Jan. 19, in a special recital; and Pinchas Zukerman, Jan. 27, performing as a soloist with London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and also conducting the orchestra. People may call the box office for placement on waiting lists, in the event any tickets are returned.