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CONSTELLATIONS

Even as the stars’ every equation is conquered by science, humans are still compelled to look upward and search the night sky with awe and wonder. Constellations surrounds the audience on all sides, as the performers take them through a new window into four stories the Northern night sky.

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Polaris, the first constellation, is the North Star and Star of the Sea. For thousands of years Polaris has been used for navigation, and has also been named for Mary, mother of Jesus. Her story is for all those who have cried out to Mary for guidance and looked for her in the night sky.

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Lyra, the second, tells the story of Orpheus’ lyre and how it came to rest in the sky. As the legends told, the nine Muses retrieved the lyre upon Orpheus’ death and flew it to the heavens; an honourific act told through a comedy of errors.

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The tale of Andromeda is one of Greek mythology’s most tragic tales. Young Andromeda had a domineering mother who bragged endlessly about her daughter, which angered those around them until the sea nymphs – under order by Poseidon – captured Andromeda and chained her to a rock at the ocean’s edge. There she was condemned to spend the rest of her life. This story speaks to the timeless tale of a young woman who must pay for the sins of her mother.

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The final constellation is Gemini, or the twin horsemen Castor and Pollux. The pair have long been equated with St. Elmo’s Fire, a crack of blue lightning that dances around the sails of ships, and sailors believed St. Elmo’s Fire was Castor and Pollux coming to protect them during a storm. This story begins on shore as sailors prepare for a voyage, and follows the ship as the twins race through the sky to save them.

You can watch the full performance of Constellations here!

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“…constructed with a riveting blend of theatre, dance and choral singing. And that synthesis of drama, movement and music is what makes a Xara show so unique, and so heavenly.” -Kate Watson

 

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