Original artwork by Jesus Kobe

Every year, the dead have been commemorated in Portland’s longest-running Día de los muertos celebration. This year’s production is called Raíz, which means «root» in Spanish, and this play will go to the root of the holiday, the root of humanity, the root of life as a cabal of Aztec gods, having fallen out of favor in the modern world, seek to revive their relevance by reuniting a young clown with his departed partner, Augustina. Time turns backward as we unearth the interwoven roots of pre-Hispanic customs and traditions found at the juncture of life and death. Are we but dreaming and awake only when we die? Through music, dance and legend, we explore that thin veil that separates our world from the realm of our indigenous ancestors.

Raíz runs October 18 through November 11, 2012 at the Milagro Theatre (525 SE Stark St., Portland). Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Tickets begin at $15 for the preview (first Thursday performance) and may be purchased online at www.milagro.org (see link in right-hand sidebar); by calling 503-236-7253 or by visiting the theatre offices at 425 SE Sixth Ave. weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

This bilingual production is sponsored by The Oregonian and will feature additional special events:

• Los Porteños writers group will present original stories and poetry written for the Day of the
Dead prior to the matinee on Sunday, Nov. 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Free.

• A post-play discussion with the director, cast and crew immediately follows the 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 21. Free.

• An exhibit of Day of the Dead altars created by local Latino artists will be on display one hour prior to each performance in El Zócalo, a community space adjacent to the theatre lobby. Free.

• ASL interpretation Sunday, Oct. 28 (contact box office for seating)

In the cast are (in alphabetical order):

Enrique E. Andrade
Sara Fay Goldman
Nurys Herrera
Ed Lyons
Juan Antonio Martinez
Alberto Romero
Zoe Rudman
Maria Sanchez

Among the production team are:

Arturo Martinini … Director
Mark Haack … Scenic Designer
Katelan Braymer … Lighting Designer
Carolyn Baker … Costume Designer
Gerardo Calderón … Composer
Kelly Carlos … Choreographer
Nicki D’Amico … Prop Master
Adrienne Shelnutt … Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Collin Lawson … Master Carpenter
Julie Rosequist … Sound Board Operator
Estela Robinson … Production Manager
Jesus Kobe … Artcard Artist
Olga Sanchez … Artistic Director, Miracle MainStage
José E. González … Executive Director