In a unique blend of awe-inspiring virtuosity of Beijing Opera acting style and visually stunning Western stagecraft, the celebrated Taiwanese actor Wu Hsing-kuo adapts themes and relationships from Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy of power and deception, King Lear. Delivering a one man tour de force, Wu Hsing-kuo simultaneously depicts multiple characters, from the maniacal Lear and his ally Gloucester, to his evil, grasping daughters and the pitiful, lonely Fool.

Last year Jordi Savall stole the VIVA!

The 2012–2013 VIVA! & Gala season launches on Friday, October 26 with a high-energy, interactive performance by Inca Son (Sound of the Inca). Audience members will have the unique chance to hear and see the traditional music, dance, and attire of an ancient Andean culture renowned for its vibrancy and sophistication.

On April 13 the New York Gypsy All-Stars, hailed by WNYC for their “infectious and hypnotic music,” will take the Gartner Auditorium stage as part of the museum’s 2011–12 VIVA! & Gala Performing Arts series.

On Friday, November 4, Mali-based ngoni virtuouso Bassekou Kouyate will take the Gartner Auditorium stage as part of the museum’s VIVA! & Gala Performing Arts series.