MAKOR

An Original Dance Theatre Production with Live Musical Accompaniment, Choreographed and Directed by Livya Howard-Yashar

MAKOR is a cross-cultural exploration of the way in which we return to stories, specifically oral folklore and spirituality during times of upheaval, struggle and isolation. Inspired by the tales in Women Who Run with the Wolves by author, poet and Jungian analyst Clarissa Pinkola Estés, this three part performance reimagines stories that feature female characters who embody resilience and tenacity in the face of erasure.

Featuring stories from Jewish, Chinese minority, and Afro-Cuban folklore and mythology, each piece draws from the choreographer's familial, intellectual, and creative roots through years of ethnographic research and artistic practice, that reflect her personal experience of resilience and the ability of the female archetype to extend and inform beyond ethnic and religious borders.

Graphic Design: Ella Rosenblatt

THE MAIDEN OF LUDMIR (a true story)

They called her “Rebbe” (Rabbi). Some called her a “false male”. With at least half of the community doubting her abilities, the precocious Hanna Rochel remained committed to her love of Torah, Talmud, and deep prayer. Doing everything as her male Hassidic counterparts, she claimed her own space as a spiritual leader, shaman, and miracle worker, but in the end refused to marry. As her reputation and popularity spread, so too did the determination of the male leaders of the Hassidic community to see her fall. Whether she was ultimately chased, harassed, or banished from the town of Ludmir, her legacy and leadership took on new life after making “Aliyah” (moving to the holy land of Israel). She has been kept alive through oral tales hailing from the Ukrainian town of Ludmir all the way to Jerusalem.

Photography Credit: Cheryl Mann Productions

WILD GOOSE LAKE

Sea Girl lives with her father in a village at the foot of Horse Ear Mountain. She sets out to find the key that will unlock the pristine waters of the mountain lake and end the drought and famine in her valley. She gets it by singing…but not alone.

Photography Credit: Cheryl Mann Productions

OSHUN Y OGUN

Oshun, the Yoruban diety of sweet waters, fertility and love sets her sights on the task of bringing the all powerful Ogun, diety of war and metal work back to the civilization he created and then abandoned to go live in the forest. Though she is thought naive and incapable of the task by the other orishas, Oshun defies all expectations, luring Ogun out of the forest and back into society; not with brute strength and force, but with the scent and taste of her sweet honey trail.

Photography Credit: Cheryl Mann Productions