Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Theatre Camp Workshop # 1 “La Leyenda de Michi Cihualli” Project

The Mission of “La Leyenda de Michi” project is to build a creative community for young people, their families and volunteers, through raised awareness of the cultural history of Ajijic, an appreciation for the Lake and its environment and by supporting the growth of each individual as a valued steward of the community.

The foundation of this community will be built through the creation of children’s theatre with a shared sense of purpose, in an atmosphere that encourages the empowerment of each participant.


La misión del proyecto "La Leyenda de Michi" es construir una comunidad creativa para los jóvenes, sus familias y los voluntarios, a través de la elevacion de la conciencia historica cultural de Ajijic, la apreciacion y reconocimiento por el lago y su medio ambiente, así como apoyar el crecimiento de cada individuo como un guardian valioso de la comunidad.

La fundación de esta comunidad sera construida a través de la creación de programas teatrales para niños con un sentimiento de finalidad compartida, en un ambiente que fomenta la autonomía de cada participante.


Sharing A Laugh

Even though the Volunteers have been working diligently for months in preparation, yesterday was our first day of Theatre Camp...and the excitement was palpable.

We set up shop for our first week of camp at the Wilkes Center, Biblioteca Publica on Galeana.



We started with a round of introductions, explaing the etiology of the project, how it has progressed from oral tradition and legend to printed form and now into a theatrical realm.


Part of our preparation for working together was to form an agreement of Respect, Appreciation, Security, Responsibility and Cooperation...all based on Creativity and Fun.  Everyone signed the agreement via hand printings and signatures.

 Fotini's Colors


Everone handprinted 


And signed




And then the drawing began.  In preparation for this day, the Volunteers had created papel mache hats and props which were now ready to be designed and painted by the children.


One of the most prominent props was Karina and the Maestro Antonio's large fish.


 The place was abuzz with activity.


Fish Hats were distributed and sized appropriately for the heads.


Everyone received a prop to work on.


Karina working on El Gran Pez


Painting Details




After the children left for the day, the work continued.  Our diligent Production Staff met to discuss the production in detail.



And our costume mistresses sorted and prepared for the vestuario's distribution.


Roberta and El Maestro continued work on the stage props.


As the day wound down, we were left with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, having planted a seed of cooperation in the fetile ground of excitement and hope.  See you tomorrow!





Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Ethnomusicologist

We started the afternoon yesterday with a visit to the Lakeside Little Theatre.  Scheduled were a production meeting, a meeting with Abril our lead puppeteer, and then a visit from our Danzantes to introduce the space where they will be performing.

Lakeside Little Theatre
Sn. Antonio Tlayacapan


Props and toys come in all sorts of packages.  Iker rehearsed our "abundance" scene through play.

Then it was time to head to the plaza for our first pre-hispanic drumming class taught by noted ethnomusiciologist Cristobal Duran.


Cristóbal Margarito Durán Moncada 


A little rain did not detour our efforts....it just delayed them a bit.


As naturally as the rain came and went, the students gathered and the class began.













Sergio y Jaime share a laugh

The drumming class melded into the dance class beautifully.



 Dancin' Shoes




Thursday, June 18, 2015


Video Clip from our 2nd Danzanates Class
Ajijic, Plaza

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Danzantes Class 1

We held our first Danzantes Class in Ajijic Plaza yesterday, Monday June 15th, 2015, with our Master Dancers, Sergio y Jaime leading the charge.

Sergio and Iker Preparing

4 Directions

East

Inside

Sergio Teaches 

Circle 

 Everyone Moves

 Jaime

Drum Respect  


The day also happened to be my godson Ivan's 10th birthday, so we celebrated with a chocolate cake, walk along the Malecon, a yummy comida and we also made a new friend - Midnight, the Retriever.

Fetch

"Hey Dad, Can We Keep Him?"

Midnight, Brad y Ivan 

Group Moves 

Intensity 

Amigos On The Lake 

Explanation

Jaime's Drummers 

Left Foot Up 

Like This!

Parents Included  

Stretching

Resting 

Watching