After a hiatus, director and founder Lisa Citore returns to the helm of Anima Theater of the Feminine Underground for a weekend of immersive ritual theater, Oct. 23-24 at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara.
“Since its inception in 2017, Anima has become one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved underground theatrical experiences, earning a devoted following and a remarkable tradition of sold-out productions,” Anima Theater officials said.
“As this women-centric theater collective enters its 10th year, Anima continues to stand as one of the only female-identified ritual theater companies of its kind, creating original works that invite audiences to reconnect to their inner worlds and feel what matters and what has gone unrecognized,” they said.
“Blending myth, movement, storytelling, poetry, music and archetypal imagery, Anima weaves together 10 evocative performances that culminate in a moving celebration of our shared humanity,” they said.
“Rather than offering an escape from reality, Anima creates spaces to move more fully into it, exploring grief, joy, love, courage, rage, longing and mystery through the transformative power of shared witnessing,” the group said.
Anima said it occupies a unique space between theater, ritual and community gathering.
“At a time when so many people are hungry for meaningful connection, Anima said it offers something increasingly rare. This artistic cauldron creates containers for collective feeling and for metabolizing cultural shadow, restoring depth and mystery in a world that has become increasingly fragmented and spiritually malnourished,” Anima said.
“Our audiences don’t just observe, they participate with us internally. We take them on an emotional and psychological journey,” said Citore, who directs the upcoming show.
“The aim of Anima isn’t just for applause, it’s for healing, inquiry, emotional release, truth recognition, initiation, integration and renewal.” she said.
The October production features an ensemble led by storyteller Elaine Gale, alongside a cast of artists who have become known for their emotional honesty and multidisciplinary performances.
Performances feature Elaine Gale, Samantha Bonavia, Cybil Gilbertson, KiaOra Fox, Kerri Krizer, Jean Stultz, Justine Sutton, Aurora Rose Wesman, Selena Rockwell, Gillian Healed, and Chari Coryat.
Performers include Jax Nora, Deborah Thomas, Francine Madera, Jordi Borboroglu, Josh Kuntzman, Chloe Johnson, Kerri Kritzer, Megan Ramaekers, Sarah Hartigan, Autumn Kern, Rachel Petkus, Lisa Citore, Marie P. Tremblay, Carolyn Little, Stephanie Horton, Nick Ely, Miranda Robinson, Katie Oram, Robyn Rose, Karen Hinds, Jamila Gonzalez, Maria Bongiovanni, and Halani Cabugos
Show times are 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $40 for early bird; $45 at the door. To buy tickets, visit https://centerstagetheater.org/show-details/anima-theater-of-the-feminine-underground-26.
When purchasing tickets, note that the production addresses sensitive topics and other personal experiences, which may be triggering for some audiences.
Anima, Theater of the Feminine Underground, is a Santa Barbara women-centric ritual theater collective founded in 2017 by Lisa Citore, with artistic direction by Teagan Rose. Its mission is to amplify the feminine spirit in all beings. Anima is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas.
For more information, or to book a performance with Anima, visit www.animaritualtheater.com.