The Cabiri, a Seattle, Washington based non-profit physical theater troupe, was founded in 1998 by Artistic Director John S. Murphy. In 2001, the troupe became legally incorporated (under the organization The Anunnaki Project) and obtained 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. The mission of The Cabiri and The Anunnaki Project is to preserve the mythologies of cultures that have passed into antiquity, utilizing theatrical performances and other means.
Since its inception, the troupe has utilized a variety of mediums to present "performative mythology," theatrical depictions of tales from folklore and mythology. Tales from Babylonian, Celtic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Romanian, Russian, Sumerian, and other mythos have been utilized in past productions.
The Cabiri's early work consisted primarily of street theater and performance art including fire dancing, stilt walking, and juggling. In 2001 the company began incorporating aerial dance on low-flying trapeze, sling, hoop, and other apparatus. Aerial dance has since become the primary performance focus of the troupe.
In 2006, the troupe expanded its activities to include aerial dance instruction for adults.
The troupe draws from accredited academic resources that have undergone peer review when creating new work, and strives to educate the public about folklore and mythology via its theatrical productions.
Performance History
editThe Genesis of Ereshkigal (July 2000): utilizing puppetry, physical theatre, and fire performance, this early production depicted Ereshkigal's abduction by Kur and Enki's rescue attempt
The Kojiki of Amaterasu (September 2001): one of the final performances on the stage at the old Seattle Opera House, the story of Japanese solar goddess Amaterasu
Vasalisa the Beautiful (March 2002): a tale from Russian folklore, in which Baba Yaga, the forest witch encounters the lovely Vasalisa and sets before her three impossible tasks
Dance of the Calusari (May 2003): in collaboration with Radost Folk Ensemble, explored Romanian folklore and the Calusari folk dancers.
The Ghost Game (October 2006): survey of folklore and mythology regarding ghosts; premise inspired by Hyaku Monogatari, a Japanese ghost story game.
Garden of Dreams (June 2007): nine tales depicting folklore and mythology of plants from a variety of cultures.
Gods of the Night (July 2008): seven Mesopotamian planetary gods and Inanna's epic descent to the Underworld and encounter with Ereshkigal, Queen of the Sumerian Underworld.
The Ghost Game: Tales of 13 Witches (October 2008): nine performances exploring the witch archetype in folklore and mythology.
External Links
editThe Cabiri performance troupe official web site
The Anunnaki Project web site
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Tanya Brno and Charly McCreary of The Cabiri performance troupe, July 2008 -
The Cabiri performance troupe in "Nergal", July 2008
