In celebration of Cultural Diversity Week
Face 2 Face in a Frenzy
A one man play by Zarco Guerrero
Friday, May 15, 7:30PM
$12 in advance, $10 seniors, $15 at door
Renowned sculptor/mask maker Zarco Guerrero reveals the awesome power of the mask to transform in “Face 2 Face in a Frenzy” a one man play presented at 7:30 PM, Friday, May 15th at Old Town Center for the Arts.” This event kicks off a weekend of events to celebrate ‘Cultural Diversity Week’ in the Verde Valley. Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens will be in attendance to read a proclamation that recognizes Verde Valley’s blend of cultures, ethnicities, and religious traditions.
Zarco’s presentation is the culmination of years of artistic exploration and travels to Japan, Bali, Mexico, Thailand, China and Alaska, to research the carving of masks used in ritual, dance and theater. He remarked in a recent interview, “For the past 20 years I have traveled to many fascinating locations. In each place, I have had the opportunity to see the great mask performers of these cultures bring the mask to life. It has been such an inspirational and often magical quest that I wanted to share the gifts given to me by master maskers with audiences young and old. “Face to Face in a Frenzy” is a one masked ‘dramedy’ that combines storytelling techniques I picked up from all these exotic places and combines them with home grown old school street theater. I feel I have finally found the recipe to blend the power of the mask to transform with my love of theater, poetry, music and humanity.”
The show introduces ten characters who explode on stage with outrageous and dynamic personalities. Each character has his/her own agenda and eccentric style in expressing their feelings and thoughts on today’s most important issues. The subject of the performance includes nonviolence, substance abuse, prejudice, self-esteem and world peace. With a master's touch, Zarco in his multiple roles personifies eccentric prototypes forcing us to examine our most innate feelings and thoughts. Through the artist's eyes we see ourselves and society as never before - exposed by his masks, movement and monologue.
Zarco Guerrero has been a force in the Arizona art scene since the early seventies, as a multi-media artist and community arts advocate. He has participated in the Artist in Education program of the Arizona Arts Commission and has conducted workshops throughout the U.S. since 1972. Zarco has had one-man shows in Mexico and throughout the United States. He is the founder of Xicanindio Artes, Inc., a non- profit organization dedicated to better understanding of Latino and Native American arts in Mesa, AZ. And he also co-founded Cultural Coalition.com in Phoenix.
This event is co-sponsored by the City of Cottonwood, Cultural Diversity Council of Verde Valley, Yavapai College, Cornucopia Community Advocates and Old Town Center for the Arts. You are also invited to attend the Saturday night performance of “Yes We Can” at OTCA (7:30 PM), an evening of storytelling, poetry and music dedicated to the theme of diversity; and a special event on Sunday at Cottonwood Civic Center, from noon to 5 PM, which features a wide variety of music, dancing and entertainment for kids, and putluck dishes from all the cultures of the Verde Valley.
Please join international artist Zarco, for this "in your face" follies featuring a curious cast of crazy hand carved characters. Filled with comedy, drama, contradictions and chaos “Face 2 Face in a Frenzy” is not to be missed. There will be a question and answer period following the performance and DVD’s will be available that include an educational guide.
Zarco
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