ZIVILI
Dance Company,
is pleased to announce that its popular holiday production, “Christmas
in Croatia,”
is now available for the first time in video format. Taped live on
December 15th at the elegantly-restored Southern Theatre in
Columbus, Ohio, tapes can now be purchased through “Heart of
Croatia” Gifts at www.croatiagifts.com.
This colorful and spirited production takes place in a small
village in Croatia. It
begins with the more solemn choral works that are a part of Croatian
Christmas church services and becomes more light-hearted and spirited
as the piece moves to a Croatian village home where various customs
and traditions are being observed.
The blessing of the Yule log, the welcoming of the first
visitor, the koleda singing groups who go house to house singing in
exchange for small gifts, are but a few of the traditions included in ZIVILI’s
production. As is typical
of most gatherings in Croatia, high-spirited dancing and singing are
engaged in by members of the household and their guests during the
course of the evening’s festive celebration.
“Christmas in Croatia,”
is seen through the eyes of an immigrant as he reflects on his
childhood Christmases of many years ago. “Christmas in Croatia,” is conceived, directed, and produced by ZIVILI directors Pamela Lacko Kelley and Melissa Pintar Obenauf and was initially made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Community Arts Fund at The Columbus Foundation, and by the Nationwide Insurance Foundation. Artistic Director Pam Kelley spent 10 years researching the customs; ZIVILI has performed this production both at home for and on tour the past ten years. Executive Director Melissa Obenauf authored the narrative and the script. The cast includes over 50 dancers, singers, and musicians.
Photo by Jeff Gotschall
For more information, contact Melissa Pintar Obenauf at
(740)587-7715 or (877) 906-8314 (toll free)
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