Grand Opening of Larry Reed: Cinematic Shadows with Tour and Special Forum

The exhibition marks the first major museum exhibition celebrating the life and artistic legacy of Larry Reed (1944–2026) following his passing earlier this year. Curated by ShadowLight Productions' Farley Gwazda and Caryl Kientz in collaboration with the Ballard Institute, Larry Reed: Cinematic Shadows explores the groundbreaking work of Reed and his company ShadowLight Productions, whose decades of experimentation combined the traditions of Balinese wayang (shadow puppetry) with contemporary theater and the visual language of cinema. Featuring traditional wayang kulit (shadow puppets), newly acquired production materials from Reed’s landmark productions The Wild Party and A (Balinese) Tempest, and an immersive shadow theater installation with three-dimensional shadow masks and lighting effects, the exhibition traces Reed's evolution from his apprenticeship in Balinese wayang to the creation of cinematic shadow theater. This exhibition highlights a lifetime of artistic innovation and an ongoing exchange between Indonesia and the United States. 

As part of the opening celebration, Gwazda and Kientz will lead visitors through the exhibition during a free curator-led tour beginning at 5:30 p.m (no reservations required). They will then present during a special Fall Puppet Forum titled Larry Reed and ShadowLight Productions: A Legacy of Cinematic Shadows at 6:30 p.m., exploring Larry Reed’s life and artistic legacy, as well as the cinematic shadow theater techniques developed by ShadowLight Productions. Admission to this forum is free (donations greatly appreciated!), but space will be limited, and registration is required in advance to attend in person: s.uconn.edu/reed-forum. The forum is co-sponsored by UConn Digital Media & Design.