Concurrently we surface after the forced eviction from our status quo’s,
Behind a year’s journey of mindful/less self-discovery/obscuration,
And (re?)acquaintance with sometimes punishing autonomous truths.
We come together in the maxim ashram, sans social conditioning-
To observe/engage in what happens when we give each other space to be one’s unadulterated selves.
Let us redefine the mask as a tool not for concealing, but revealing,
Awakening our inner animal- liberated in celebrated, requited sologamy.
Congratulations for being one of the select individuals invited to UPShakes first annual Festival of Flora, a Maiouma Celebration, the Spring Emergence of Birds and Beasts, a May Day All Night Revel Masquerade.
From earliest records of performance and revelry, masks have been engaged with as both a performative object and an instrument for liberation. By virtue of the masquerade, we simultaneously divorce ourselves from our identity and declare it- safely refastening in truth, excused from perception, judgement and the past- invoking an atmosphere of presence.
Through the crisis of a world-wide life-altering pandemic, we- as artists- have discovered that we weren’t the only ones suffering from great identity malady- but our audience friends as well. The loss of not only performance related energy exchange but generalized human connection has, for many, resulted in deep examinations of self. As we slowly emerge from our banishment, we hope to see this season as an opportunity to redefine our reconnection, incorporating our newly established self-semblance.
For centuries, the mask has been considered deautomatization of aesthetic perception- This Maiouma Celebration is fashioned to inspire us to embrace our inner animals, our facets, our duality, all of the beautiful pieces- both exquisite and grotesque- that make us wholly human: A Spring Emergence of Birds and Beasts.
We hope that you are stirred to join us… we understand if you aren’t ready- we never do stop developing.
Consecration begins at the 7 o’clock hour, May 1st 2021.
Frequently Anticipated Questions:
Will there be performance? It is our fervent hope. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players;” means you, dear invitee, comprise our cast of characters. There will be opportunity for spectacle and we desire you to take advantage.
The first half of the evening will be held in silence, apart from music, we ask that all refrain from speaking. Let’s find other ways of communicating. At the 9 o’clock hour we will be permitted to reveal what we choose to reveal, faces & words.
Where will this event be located? Our ashram will be erected at 105 Meeske Avenue, Marquette Michigan 49855.
Where shall I park? You may park in the Meeske parking lot, on the street or in the grassy area to the right of the tent.
What precautions will be taken against COVID-19? All attendees will be screened prior to entry into this open-air event, and- of course- masks must me worn.
What is the cost of admission? Free- although we hope you’ll grace us with a bottle of libations to help establish our tap room. (straws and other accoutrements will be provided)
Do I have to be costumed? Yes. We hope to be impressed, but don’t let this be a barrier for you. Express yourself as lavishly or as modestly as you wish. Reach out with questions, and we’ve assembled a vision board for inspiration here.
Who will be in attendance? We’ve curated a diverse mix of individuals; some may be revealed as old friends, some as new- yet we will all depart re/connected.
Can I bring anyone with me? Yes. You are permitted one plus one, please include their name in the RSVP form below.