Go See “La MaMa Cantata” Tonight! – EastVillageArts.org
Posted November 8, 2011 at 5:35 pm
by Grace, EastVillageArts.org
Tonight is your last chance to see “La Mama Cantata” in the Ellen Stewart theater! La Mama Cantata is a theater/music piece directed, composed and written by the legendary Elizabeth Swados who met Ellen Stewart when she was only 18 years old and continued to work with throughout Ellen’s life.
The young performers featured in the concert were electric and gave the audience goosebumps throughout the entire show. Their energy, commitment, enthusiasm and sheer talent was breath taking. Elizabeth Swados’ dynamic composition drew from music from all over the world and contained many chill producing harmonies and heart melting melodies that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The performers’ strong voices, powerful stomping and clapping resonated throughout the entire building.
They sang of values that Ellen Stewart admonished with all people she worked with such as having no self doubt, the importance of moving forward and to never apologize for who you are. They also referenced traditions such as ringing the bell before each performance and never wearing green on stage.
The Ellen Stewart “character” was played by several actors of different races, and genders who employed several different accents reflecting Ms.Stewart’s acceptance of all people, and her multi-faceted personality. Each of the performers brought their own sass and style to the part.
The songs took the audience through the majority of Ms.Stewart’s life beginning with her decision to leave Chicago and move to either L.A. or New York (the final decision was made by flipping a coin). Each number smoothly transition us on a journey of Ellen’s life from early plays with Sam Shepard, to her adventurous trips to Africa, to many of her La Mama family members passing away due to Aids in the 80s. The last number, about Ellen’s death, talked about Ellen becoming the angel that she always had been and left more than a handful of audience members misty eyed.
The show however, was such a joyous celebration of life that I was not left feeling sad for too long. Rather I was kept in awe that the passionate spirit of Ellen Stewart lives on . Elizabth Swados was able to capture Stewart’s life and spirit in such a soulful, moving way reminding us all that with a lot of creativity, love, family and an open heart, anything is possible! The true “Ellen Stewart Way”.
Get your tickets to see this show TONIGHT! You won’t regret it! When trying to fall asleep last night all I could think of was “When can I buy the CD”?