Raising Spirits
This original production, for the Day of the Dead
celebrations, is written and directed by Georgina Escobar and is playing at
their space, 525 SE Stark St., through November 11th. For more information, go to their site at www.milagro.org
All cultures have their own ways of respecting those that
have passed on. Some believe they pass
on to a type of Heaven; others hold onto the thought that we will be
reincarnated into another life; some feel their presence is always around us,
et. al. The American Halloween is an
off-shoot of that, as we disguise ourselves with costumes and masks to fool
evil spirits that roam the night. As a
kid, the most potent image I had was the classical piece, “Night on Bald
Mountain,” that was animated by Disney in “Fantasia.” Very scary.
But now, to this story, presented as an adult fairy tale,
and so we begin: Once Upon a Time…there
were three guardian spirits (or, perhaps, Muses, in the artistic vernacular)
that were searching for their master, Pedro (Robi Arce), an artist, who was in
love with the elusive, Lillian (Yesenia Lopez), who was betrothed to
another.
But, back to his totems, or spirit guides…they consisted of
Florinda (Tara Hershberger), a dedicated duck, whose duty was to keep him
grounded; Bartolome (Matthew Sepeda), a crafty cat, a symbol of his mortality;
and Felipe (Giovanni Alva), a restless rooster, reminding him that another day will
always dawn. Just one little hitch in
their plans—Pedro is trapped in the world between life and death, and Le Muerte
(Patrica Alvitez), Death, has her own plans on keeping him in her domain.
How this all turns out, of course, you’ll have to discover
for yourselves when you see it. But,
like all good fairy tales, they lived…hopefully…ever after. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and
our little life is rounded with a sleep.”
Passion, Hope, Imagination, Love, Artistry…all important aspects of a
well-realized Life. You notice that Fame
and Fortune never appeared in this missive, so take that to heart.
This is truly an enlightening show, considering the elements
going on in our present world situations.
And, although the language and situations may seem different from this
fellow’s “gringo” culture, it is good to know there is much to learn about this
wide world, in which one should embrace other perspectives. Or, as my friend, Dave, who came with me to
see this show said, “I’m not sure I understand it, but I’m enjoying the heck
out of it, anyway”
And so say I.
The production is a whirlwind of excitement in song, music,
puppets, masks, stylized movement, dance…a magical embrace that goes beyond
cultures to reach the heart and soul of the dreamers still left in this chaotic
atmosphere. “There is nothing to fear,
but Fear itself.”
There is many to thank for this imaginative piece, beginning
with the director and writer, Escobar, flinging ideas, like stardust, onto an
unsuspecting crowd to add to their lives.
The cast is all first-rate, having to be versatile in many mediums but
up to the task in all their glory.
Original music by Luis Guerra, scenic design by Emily Wilken, Lighting
by Trevor Sargent, costumes by Jessica Bobillot, Props by Sarah Andrews,
Puppets by Mindy Escobar-Leanse, et. al., all pros in their fields, who added
greatly to the success of this production.
I recommend this show.
If you do choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
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