Photo: Bryan Anton

Ritual Theater

What is Ritual Theater?

Ritual theater is intentionally different from what we may call “traditional” theater. According to ritual theater creatrix, Batya Podos*, ritual performances storylines tend to be cyclical rather than linear. Catharsis is the central experience (for audience and performers), the methods tend to be psycho-spiritual with the spiritual played in and through the performers rather than directed up toward a transcendent god, and the audience members are participants rather than passive spectators. Ritual theater may include repetition, chanting and/or singing, movement/dance, and acknowledgment of the Divine Feminine.

For me, in addition, ritual theater exists in the tension between the sacred and the profane; it is the magical lifeblood that flows outward from the liminal realm. This is precisely the moment the audience—the public—the viewer, becomes an active part of the unique ritual performance experience, rather than a passive observer.  Finally, the central experience of my ritual theater creations is that of the Goddess.

*Summarized from Batya Podos’ essay, “Feeding the Feminist Psyche Through Ritual Theater” in the anthology, “The Politics of Women’s Spirituality,” edited by Charlene Spretnek.

Journey to the Goddess

An experiential theatre event

In 2014, the Magdalene Project presented its first workshop performance of “Journey to the Goddess,” an experiential theatrical event inspired by Annalisa Derr’s Mary Magdalene pilgrimage to Southern France.

Utilizing ritual, sound, and movement, this ritual performance explores the transformative power of the Goddess through the pilgrim experience.

Conceived, directed, and performed by Annalisa Derr
Participating Artists: Kate Ryan, Danielle Hammer, and Sharon Barto
In partnership with Jakku House jakkuhouse.wordpress.com

Photos: Bryan Anton