by Magdy Zara
Oakland Ballet’s long-awaited performance of Luna Mexicana returns for its usual two-performance run.
Luna Mexicana is one of the most anticipated Day of the Dead events, as it is one of the most elaborate and inclusive in the Bay Area.
Luna Mexicana is a beautiful combination of exuberant dance, happy music, colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food and above all, it is a beautiful family celebration.
This masterful work tells the story of a girl named Luna, who on the Day of the Dead falls asleep in front of the altar that she installed in honor of her ancestors. Her loved ones visit her while she sleeps and take her on a journey to the afterlife.
This presentation includes choreography by Oakland Ballet artistic director Graham Lustig, as well as performances by the Aztec dance ensemble Nahui Ehekatl and Co. and the Ballet Folklérico de México Danza.
Oakland Ballet Company’s 2023 “Luna Mexicana” program will feature:
The return of Viva la Vida, a ballet inspired by the life and spirit of Frida Kahlo. Co-choreographed by Martín Romero of Ballet Folklorico
Artistic Director of México Danza and Oakland Ballet, Graham Lustig.
Ballet Folklorico México Dance that presents traditional Mexican folk dance.
Mariachi Mexicanisimo presenting mariachi music.
The first presentation will be this Friday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m., while on November 10 it will be at 4 p.m., at the Paramount Theater, Oakland 2025 Broadway.
“Everything we have lost”: a recovery ceremony
Everything We Have Lost is an event organized by Headlands Center for the Arts, which seeks with a space evening to “rediscover” Mexican immigrants from the Bay area with their customs.
This intimate program consists of live performances, food, and traditional Mexican and Westernized ceremonial practices.
Headlands Center for the Arts cordially invites you to “All We Have Lost: A Recovery Ceremony”; which will feature the special participation of Arleene Correa Valencia, Headlands Bay Area intern.
Correa Valencia points out that “many immigrant families strive to integrate into the new culture in which they live while maintaining their own identity and customs, invisible and visible at the same time.”
She then adds “these families, particularly undocumented ones, may be denied important moments of celebration, out of fear.”
Drawing on Correa Valencia’s personal experience, “Everything We Have Lost” serves as a symbolic recovery of those celebratory milestones, inviting audiences to share and witness a moment of personal and collective love and joy.
The attire for this night is recommended to be formal, the drinks will be provided by Cantina Monarca, the food will be provided by Día de Los Tacos, the music managers will be Mariachi Nueva Generación.
The appointment is this Sunday, November 5 from 4 pm. to 9 p.m. At the Headlands Center for the Arts 944 Fort Barry Sausalito, Tickets are $40 and $50.
KQED Presents “Stories from Mixed-Race Californians”
Understanding life from multiracial complexity can be an obstacle for some people and for others it can be a tool for their growth. These will be some of the topics that will be discussed at the event organized by KQED where Stories from Californians from California will be told interactively. mixed race.
Identity is always complicated, and for multiracial people who encompass many identities, it can be isolating. It can also be stimulating and enriching to belong to multiple communities and celebrate that complexity.
The hosts of KQED’s MIXED series, bring that celebration of the broad experiences of mixed Californians to the stage for a fusion of live storytelling and documentary with W. Kamau Bell and Melissa Hudson Bell and others.
Live multimedia narration from Cheyenne Bearfoot, food from Top Chef contestant and Sobre Mesa owner Chef Nelson German, a performance from Megan Lowe Dances and more.
The event is scheduled for next Thursday, November 9, starting at 7 p.m., at the KQED headquarters, located at 2601 Mariposa Street San Francisco. Tickets start at $5, for more information: https://www.kqed.org/
