Audiences of all ages waited in long lines at the Texas A&M International University’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium Saturday Nov. 7 for the opportunity of experiencing Kenji Williams’ “Bella Gaia.”
“We usually keep up with the planetarium’s events,” says Rosa Gonzalez who waited in line for tickets. “The kids really like the shows, but today I came with my husband. We like the shows, and you don’t get screens like those anywhere else. Today we also came to see the violinist.”
Composed by Williams, an acclaimed violinist and director, “Bella Gaia” (Beautiful Earth) features a 45 minute live performance by Williams, while the full-dome Planetarium screens take audiences on a ride over planet Earth through the eyes of an astronaut. “Through my window”, says the voice of the astronaut in the show, “I could see rain falling on the Philippines and a sand storm in the Sahara. I realized then, that we were all in the same boat.”
Gerardo Perez, director of the LBV planetarium, introduced “Bella Gaia” as “an entirely different experience.” Kenji Williams explained to his audience that he hoped they would recognize the beauty of planet earth. In the end, “Bella Gaia” proved to be a beautifully touching atlas-like ride through Earth. “My kids were more amazed at the images from Egypt and Japan than those of the Universe. I really liked that, it teaches you a lesson: to value our world,” raved Liliana Salinas after the show.
Williams, born in Washington DC, “I grew up everywhere. I was very much and International kid growing up.” Williams began playing the violin at the age of nine under the direction of his mother. Later, Kenji Williams attended film school, and is currently living in New York City.