By Harvey Winje, In the Heart of the Beast
The Annual May Day Parade and Festival is a harbinger and highlight of Spring exceeded only by the gatherings of all ages during April that produce this special pageant. You”'ve heard “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, April artisans will bring another May Day pageant. It is truly a “Miracle at The Avalon,” In the Heart of the Beast”'s Theatre at 1500 East Lake Street, where it is the first year for some people and for others, their 37th year. Folks of all ages will mold clay into shapes that layers of paper mache will change into life-like masks . It is truly a miracle of community building that uses imagination and transforms dumpster finds into magic dances of life. It is making the common things of life sacred. Join in one of the following times:
37th Annual MayDay Parade Workshops Begin April 2
Public MayDay Workshops
1500 Lake St E, Minneapolis
April 2 ”“ 28
Saturdays: 9:00 am ”“ 11:00 am and 1:00 pm ”“ 3:00 pm
Tuesdays: 7:00 ”“ 9:00 pm
Thursdays: 7:00 ”“ 9:00 pm
MayDay Parade and Festival
Sunday, May 1
1:00 pm: Parade begins at intersection of Bloomington Ave. and 26th St.
3:30 pm (approx.): Tree of Life Ceremony in Powderhorn Park
1:00 ”“ 7:00 pm: Festival in Powderhorn Park
Website: www.hobt.org
In the Heart of the Beast Theatre will celebrate the 37th anniversary off the annual MayDay Parade and Festival on Sunday, May 1. Every year, thousands of people gather together to welcome the return of spring to Minnesota at this event. In preparation, during the month of April, our theatre will be transformed into a giant community art studio and opened to the public for the building of the parade.
Workshop participants will be given an overview of the Parade theme and then invited to choose which section of the Parade they would like to work on. Participants can come to as many or as few workshops as they want, and their creation will be theirs to keep after the Parade.
Workshops are free and open to everyone; no reservations or experience necessary. Children are welcome but must be supervised by adults at all times. Please wear clothes and shoes that are appropriate for painting.
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) is a singular theater company recognized internationally for both its artistry and its service to the community. Through performance, ceremony, and teaching, HOBT explores and celebrates the human experience and the wonders of the world”'s natural and cultural richness. The work of HOBT is strongly grounded in the concerns of its home neighborhood as they relate to regional and global issues. Through its artistry, the theatre brings people together in the hands-on creation of and participation in community-wide puppet and mask events.
