Oakland is home to so many artists, writers, chefs, designers, musicians and other cultural producers, that it’s getting hard to keep track. But one name that has shown leadership over the past decade is West Oakland’s The Crucible.

OaklandSeen attended “Crucible Revival: Keep The Fire Burning” a variety-show-style benefit for the organization’s educational programs on Friday evening. This was an occasion to honor the work and vision of founder Michael Sturtz as he steps away from his official duties at The Crucible on January 15th and to celebrate The Crucible’s 12th anniversary.

The program runs Saturday night as well. For more information and how you can obtain tickets, go to the Crucible website.

Here are some scenes from the production. But you’ll just have to see it, to believe it.

T

A fire dancer from the Copper Lantern Theater onstage at The Crucible (photo courtesy of Christa Curtin, THE CRUCIBLE)

Rose Nisker and Juan De Valle performed flamenco dance, sensual and aerial (photo courtesy of Christa Curtin, THE CRUCIBLE)