Downstage is thrilled to present the World Premiere of The Strategy of War, a new theatrical work created and performed by Mera Reyes with direction and choreography by Javier Vilalta.
Downstage's Artistic Producer Katherine Rawlinson sat down with creator and Master Storyteller Mera Reyes to hear more about the extensive archaeological and anthropological research of Aztec creational myths that will be the essence of this truly original theatrical narrative premiering September 19 at Motel Theatre, Arts Commons.
Katherine: Tell us about your journey to become a Master Storyteller.
Mera: I witnessed a professional storyteller for the first time when I was 19 years old when living in the UK. At the time, I was studying to be a musical theatre performer. I sat right in the first lane and that storyteller made me laugh, cry and sing. At the end of the performance, I said to myself: this is it. I want to make people feel like I felt tonight. So I dropped everything and went to Sussex to study at The School for Storytelling at Emerson College (UK) in 1997.
Katherine: Can you tell us about the process of getting your story ready for the stage?
Mera: I love this question because this is the root that distinguishes Storytelling from acting and other forms of Performing arts. Of course, when you become a professional storyteller you do have a technical process on how to take the written word and transform it into oral expression but mainly, for example, if I ask you, “ Can you please tell me the story of how you met the love of your life ?” You will, without hesitation, tell me the story because you know it in your heart. Performing Storytellers mustn’t memorize the words but rather learn the story. This keeps the story alive and that is part of its beauty.
Katherine: How did the collaboration with Downstage come to be?
Mera: My first interaction with Downstage was a coffee I had with Clare Preuss, Artistic Director of Downstage. I was just rekindling my artistic career here in Alberta and she heard me with such generosity and respect. Something inside me trusted Clare. Downstage is a unique artistic space in Alberta. They promote and care for artists with projects who want to change the world, who want to make Calgary a place with more justice, beauty and equality. Being able to perform a storytelling project in the heart of Arts Commons is for sure one of the peaks of my career. It is an honour and an opportunity to give Storytelling a dignified space with the rest of the performing arts. They gave us all the resources and dignity needed and I am convinced The Strategy Of War would have not been possible without the courage and vision of Downstage and all the artists involved in this ritual/performance.
Katherine: What do you wish everyone would know about Aztec mythology and your Indigenous culture?
Mera: So many things. The Aztecs were the Romans of their time. Their social structure, religion, art and economy were around war and to die in battle was the greatest honour they could find in life. The Strategy Of War is the tip of the iceberg of a universe of images that now are lost forever. We are immersed in their legacy, all the beauty and mystery of Mexican culture comes from its indigenous roots. And we are part of all the Indigenous nations in this continent.
The mainstream image of Mexico is mainly its postcolonial folklore. We do share many elements with our brothers and sisters from the First Nations of Canada, although we use more clay for instruments and smudging devices. We wished we could have brought more to be a part of this experience. In The Strategy of War, we will use the Huehuetl (drum), popochcometl (smudging cup) and the coyoleras (ankle bells).
Katherine: What do you think is the most unique aspect of The Strategy of War?
Mera: It took us more than 10 years to receive and restore these Aztec myths. Director Javier Vilalta is taking this oral tradition work to a next level of creation. With his talent, he has given the performance a magical theatrical treatment for this stage. Storytelling aș a performing art must be experienced in person!
The Strategy of War premieres September 19, 2024 in the Motel Theatre at Arts Commons. Seating is limited, so grab your tickets now!