By Natalie Taylor
International Children’s Day is observed all over the world, first established in 1925. But the date varies by country, and in Mexico it is celebrated on Sunday, April 30. Within the courtyard of Bellas Artes a group of local San Miguel children will have a show to honor all children.
The show is called “Wizards of the Heart: New Archetypes for the Age of Light.” The project is led, and was conceived by San Miguel expat Mariosa who has been thinking of archetypes for a long time. Years ago, at the Xalapa Anthropology Museum she was looking at ancient Olmec figures, asking herself what they were trying to tell her. She realized that they were archetypes telling old Mayan stories. She understood however, that the new generation needs new stories, and that in reality that the members of the new generation are the new stories. The children are the new archetypes.
It was this that motivated Mariosa to do a show where the children themselves perform and project to the world who they are. Approximately a dozen local children, from six to thirteen years of age, will be part of the show. They all have participated in performance, and art in some way, and this will be their opportunity to showcase their talents for an audience. The courtyard will be filled with unique “sculptures,” some of them made of inert materials, others human statues. Imbued with color, movement, and music, the show is loosely based on performances like Cirque du Soleil. To top everything off there will be a secret, grand finale with the full participation of all the children that will dazzle the audience.
The reason for the show is twofold. In the first place, it is to honor all the children of the world on the day designated for them: International Children’s Day. However, the show is focused on the San Miguel community of which the participants are a part, and it is therefore a celebration of the children here, and of the entire San Miguel community. Mariosa feels that performing before a large, live audience is important for the young actors, as members of the community and as artists.
Here is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Children’s Day and to recognize young San Miguel actors. “Wizards of the Heart” is totally free and will take place on Sunday, April 30 at the Bellas Artes Cultural Center. There will be two shows, the first is scheduled for 3pm, and the second at 4:30pm. Doors will open at 2:30pm. Come and support the children of San Miguel, and the children all around the world!
