A graphic novel comes alive onstage with a cast of puppets, more than a dozen miniature stages, real-time video projection, and an original score performed live on pianos, strings, and turntables in “Nufonia Must Fall,” which will be presented at the Moss Arts Center March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

The performance will be held in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.

The production is an adaptation of the graphic novel and soundtrack, “Nufonia Must Fall,” created by scratch DJ, music producer, and award-winning graphic novelist Kid Koala (aka Eric San).

At the heart of this multidisciplinary theatrical performance is a charming story of a headphones-sporting robot on the verge of obsolescence, who through the course of the story falls in love.

Puppeteers manipulate small white resin characters within various intricately detailed miniature sets, all captured by cameras and projected on a screen above the stage. The music for the production is performed live by the string ensemble Afiara Quartet, along with Kid Koala on keyboards, turntables, and percussion.

Kid Koala is known for his work as a DJ and soundtrack composer and producer, having collaborated with the Gorillaz and Deltron 3030 and toured with groups, including Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, Arcade Fire, A Tribe Called Quest, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

“Nufonia Must Fall” is directed in real time by K.K. Barrett, known for his work on feature films by Spike Jonze and Sofia Coppola. He has worked as production designer on all of Jonze’s films, including “Being John Malkovich” and “Her,” which earned Barrett an Oscar nomination for his production design.

The Moss Arts Center will present a matinee performance of “Nufonia Must Fall” for area students in grades three through 12 from Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski counties, as well as the cities of Radford and Roanoke.

Kid Koala will also host a spin party in Owens Banquet Room on March 23 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the opening of a Virginia Tech student visual arts exhibition in Slusher Hall Tree Lounge. The event, which is co-presented by Virginia Tech Housing and Residency Life, is free and open to Virginia Tech students.

Prior to the performance, the Moss Arts Center — in partnership with Up on the Roof and Blacksburg Young Professionals — will host a special event for young professionals. Mix #attheMAC includes a reception in the Moss Arts Center Cube, two complimentary drink tickets and a cash bar, and a ticket for “Nufonia Must Fall” for $30 per person.  The reception can be added for patrons who already have tickets to the performance by calling the box office.

Tickets

Tickets for the performance are $25-55 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kmcallis@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to an event.

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