Outdoor candle-lit procession with Maria and Jose in La Natividad, In the Heart of the Beast Theatre
by Patrick Cabello Hansel
One of the most unique partnerships in the arts takes place literally in our backyard: La Natividad, the bilingual Christmas procession and celebration that is a partnership between In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT), St. Paul”'s Evangelical Lutheran Church and Mercado Central marketplace. La Natividad will return this December 10 – 20 to our community. This beloved holiday show combines street theatre, HOBT”'s expressive puppetry, and an outdoor candle-lit procession. Based on the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas, the audience moves from place to place and becomes part of the action.
Beginning at HOBT”'s Theater and Mercado Central, the audience follows Maria and José through the streets as they look for refuge. The procession ends at St. Paul”'s Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the Nativity and a fiesta”” complete with music and food. Tickets for this unique performance and holiday celebration are on sale now, by calling 612-721-2535 or on-line.
But perhaps even more important, community members can be a part of the show by being actors, puppeteers, singing in the angel choir or volunteering at one of the fiestas. There are plenty of roles for children as well. If interested, please contact the theater at 612-721-2535 or St. Paul”'s at 612-724-3862.
Patrick Cabello Hansel, creative & amiable poet, author, dramatist, and pastor (and so, too, Luisa Cabello Hansel) St. Paul”'s Lutheran Church – 28th Street and 15th Ave. in Midtown Phillips. Writes a new Chapter for Novelle Searching in each month”'s The Alley.
