REDCAT, that reliable downtown epicenter of creative expression, inaugurates another series of provocative and invigorating productions with the Los Angeles debut of acclaimed performer-essayist-educator Marc Bamuthi Joseph and the Living Word Project's red, black & GREEN: a blues. Joseph's rich theatrical milieu, predicated upon an exploration of post–hip-hop culture's fecund garden of possibilities, addresses here the delicate point where social responsibility meets the realities of climate change. Focused on the tender contemporary point that lies somewhere between the 2009 firestorm of lurid, red-baiting accusations that ousted youthful African-American White House green-jobs czar Van Jones and the ongoing socioeconomic necessity to bring green-collar stimulus to America's undernourished 'hoods, the Living Word Project has created an arresting and compelling presentation that is as provocative as it is artful. Drawn both from Joseph's firsthand experiences as ecological activist and organizer and his own insightful, theatrical aesthetic, rbGb's aim — to deliver beauty, substance and a breathtaking evening of stagecraft — is an admirably appropriate kickoff for this cherished venue's 2013 season. REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., dwntwn.; Thurs., Jan. 31, 8:30 p.m.; $10-$20. (213) 237-2800, redcat.org. –J.W.

Thu., Jan. 31, 8:30 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 1, 8:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 2, 8:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 3, 3 p.m., 2013

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