Kari Tauring and Friends Present

"This Little Light of Mine"
a discovering origins/building traditions ritual show

December 19th, 20th, and 21st 2002
Doors 7:00 Show 7:30

Patrick's Cabaret - Lake Street and Minnehaha, Minneapolis

This was the 4th Annual Yuletide Celebration created and performed by/for the interfaith community. In response to the darkness and shock left by the attacks on the World Trade Towers and the retaliation of the US Government on the people of Afghanistan, the show was titled "This Little Light of Mine." Through original song, dance, videography, spoken word and shadow play, Tauring and Friends took us through the grief and fear of these dark times made darker by world events.

As guests entered they were given bits of paper to fill in which read:

"sometimes I am afraid that _______________ is going to ______ my little light out"

Carolling ensued, led again by David de Young.

On a mythical level, Tamara Rogers represents the three-fold Goddess. We can use the example of the deity to cope with our own changes and transitions as we move from Crone to Maiden to Mother, from dark to light, from Winter to Spring to Summer.

A highlight of the show was the original spoken word piece performed by local artist Laurie McKiernan. In this stunning work, McKiernen shared her experience rising from her own hell of debilitating illness. Karl Jones read an excerpt from the William Blake poem wondering what is "slouching off to Bethlehem to be born."

The stark videography of Darren Johnson combined with the unifying lyrics of the "Balad of One" exemplified the struggle of fear and grief in a world that would put our little lights out. Then, Tauring Tai Chi'd her way to balance to the chanting of Buddhists, drumming of pagans, and singing of Christians. The power and intensity were tangible. The extraordinary lighting created by Bryon Gunsch gave it all a mystical feeling.

Then, a single child's voice began to sing in the darkness the traditional spiritual song "This Little Light of Mine." As voices were added, candles were lit. The basket of responses by the audience members as to their fears was brought forward and sung out as the whole space became illuminated in the warm glow of candles and the etherial twinkling of holiday lights.

Pictures
Interview