By Marc Tonglen
NEDERLAND
In the midst of uncertain times, the expression of art has always defined the understated will of the people.  Nowadays, the expression of art also speaks for the will of the earth too.  In recent months, a theatrical circus production has been curated in the foothills of Boulder County, entitled Eco-wakening.  It will be Colorado’s first eco-inspired circus performance, an inclusive celebration that intends to bring awareness to the way our lifestyle choices effect the environment.

Eco-wakening is being produced and directed by internationally acclaimed aerialist and choreographer, Ariana Papousek.  Papousek currently performs with Fractal Tribe, a group of innovative world-class artists focused primarily on circus production. Combining theatrics with dance, fire, acrobatics, aerial arts, and music, they create a full visual, auditory and kinesthetic experience that keeps audiences fully engaged and in the moment.  The production is being made possible in part by the help of The Boedecker Path to Excellence and The Boulder County Arts Alliance, yet more assistance is currently needed for the production to fully take its shape.

On Friday Dec. 2 there will be a fundraising event taking place at the shared space of Green Eyed Motors and The Laughing Goat Garage at 2907 55th St. in Boulder.  A short Eco-wakening art film, “Metanoia” will be premiered at the event, the score for which was co-created and produced by Dango Rose and Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival and Enion Pelta-Tiller of Taarka. As Rose explains, “This film has taken on a life of its own.  At first, we thought that we’d utilize one of Bonnie’s cello tunes to set against the acrobatic visuals. However, the movie itself has two very distinct movements, with very clear character motifs.  Because of this, it became our first true adventure in film scoring.”

Music performance for the evening will feature an appearance by Xerephine – whose voice, brimming with Celtic undertones, along with live harp, ambient beats and bodhran – will captivate the listener like none other. Denver’s Alais Clay is on the bill as well. He is known for transferring messages of truth and beauty through insightful lyricism and deeply resonating hypnotic beats. Members of Fractal Tribe will also be appearing throughout the night, demonstrating some of the aerial and acrobatic forms that will be taking place in the production.

Part of the greater Eco-wakening outreach program is to provide permaculture education within the greater Boulder County community through Permaculture Action Days. These are one-day events designed to co-create a sustainable and regenerative world.  Permaculture Action Days are hands on and are known to catalyze social change and ecological regeneration of local ecosystems within communities.  Speaking on the subject and presenting a live permaculture demo at the fundraiser will be members of the local organization, Solutions Voyage.

A modest silent auction will also be taking place at the fundraiser, with concert tickets provided by Elephant Revival and Yonder Mountain String Band among other great items and offerings. Additionally, Eco-wakening and Green Eyed Motors have teamed up and will be announcing their holiday raffle for a fully electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf.

Eco-wakening’s premier is not slated until March 25-26, 2017 at The Dairy Center for the Performing Arts in Boulder.  Yet, Friday Dec. 2 marks the onset of the production’s emergence to the greater public. As Ariana Papousek exclaims, “Now is the perfect time to celebrate the earth through the arts and creative expression!” For more information on Eco-wakening and to purchase tickets for the fundraiser, visit www.ecowakening.org