Fifth World at KPL

The Fifth World at the Kalamazoo Public Library, July 2017

JOIN THE SHOW: Rehearsals for all ages FRI JULY 28th 2 PM, SAT July 29th 12 PM

SEE THE SHOW: Performance SAT July 29th 2 PM

At the Kalamazoo Central Public Library

Call for Performers

Drawn from the Pre Columbian mythic traditions of Mexico and Central America, we are bringing forth an ancient story: The Myth of the Fifth World. We are issuing a call for performers to be a part of a production of this myth to be staged with large "glow in the dark" blacklight props and masks. The show is directed by a local Kalamazoo theater company, Magical Rain Theaterworks.

Our next meeting and workshop will be held on Thursday, July 28th at 2:00 PM at the Kalamazoo Central Public Library, Van Deusen Room. For more info, contact Dan Runyan or Ike Vasquez by email: info at magicalrain dot com

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The Story

This particular MesoAmerican mythic cycle tells of the worlds that are created and destroyed and that are intimately connected to the behavior of human beings. The elemental gods and goddesses (Water, Air, Fire, Earth) consistently affirm that we are all related and we all matter. They provide us worlds of abundance and beauty and significant instructions that guide us on how to live a good human life. But time and again the people forget, chaos ensues and the world falls apart. It is both destroyed and re-created once again. Engaging in mythic thought and performing these ancient stories reminds us that as humans, we too embody creative and destructive power.

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Our Approach

We work with ensemble techniques, choral chanting and stylized movement while giving space for the students own improvisational responses. We use blacklight effects to enhance the long ago and far away quality of this story. Magical Rain works with a style of theater, universal and ancient, performed by the community for the community. The story is related by the village storyteller. The people of the village, working in an ensemble style, relate the story to one another. At Magical Rain, our theater work is immersed in the world of story. Delving into story involves asking fundamental questions: Where does this story come from? What are we being taught in this story? We do this analysis not just with the mind but with the body and the heart. Our workshops and rehearsals develop intuition, honor the work of brainstorming and braid movement with stillness, silence and song.

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Event Details / FAQ

Where are the rehearsals and the show taking place?
- Meetings, rehearsals and the performance will all take place at the Kalamazoo Central Library, Van Deusen Room, Third floor, 315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI
- Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the Library.

When will the project take place?
- Rehearsals will be held at 2 PM on July 28 and 12 noon on July 29.
- The performance by the students is on July 29 at 2 PM.

Who will be the instructors?
- Irene (Ike) Vasquez and Dan Runyan from Magical Rain Theaterworks will be directing the play and teaching at the workshops.
- Our guest artists will include Kim Patrie working with choreography and Timothy Patrie working on a soundscape for the play.

What will the students be doing?
- The focus will be on rehearsal and performance, not on building props or costumes.

Are there auditions?
- No auditions necessary.

Is there a fee?
- No fees. The event is sponsored by the Kalamazoo Central Public Library.

What ages of students can participate?
- All ages.

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Our Company

Magical Rain Theaterworks is directed by Irene (Ike) Vasquez, Ph.D and Dan Runyan, a husband - wife team. Together, they have a lifelong passion for teaching and learning. Ike taught as a professor of New World Religions at WMU and Dan was the Education Director at a local non profit theater before they became unschooling parents and started up Magical Rain Theaterworks, where they have toured shows and workshops throughout the state and country for 20+ years.

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More Info

About our Blacklight Shows

Responses to our events from other venues and students.

Our listing in the Michigan Touring Arts Directory (see page 57)