2nd Annual Voodoo Mardi Gras Masquerade and Circus Returns to Casselman’s
by Tim Wenger
The second annual Voodoo Mardi Gras Masquerade and Circus, presented by MOTH Poetic Circus and Euphonic Conceptions, is coming to Casselman’s Bar and Venue on March 1, and the musical lineup this year is stellar. Featuring Juno What?! , Dr. Fameus of The Disco Biscuits , Garret Sayers Trio, and Namaslay,in addition to the masquerade and circus party itself, this looks to be one of the most unique events to hit Denver this year. Costumes are encouraged. The event is 18+.
Much more than just a show, this event combines music with many different forms of performance art. “The whole idea is that we are bringing music and circus equally together, that it’s not a separate entity,” says MOTH Poetic Circus Artistic Director Deena Marcum. “So many shows have circus in them now, but it’s what I call glorified go-go dancing. So for me, as a circus performer, it’s really important to have my career and my performance be highlighted. Visa versa, so many of the circuses have musicians in the background, and it’s not really integrated.”
The party will be as close to the craziness of a New Orleans Mardi Gras as can be found in Denver. “This particular party we are continuing to grow the voodoo theme and the voodoo Mardi Gras aspect, and it’s really as much revelry as you can get for Denver in terms of a Mardi Gras type situation, like Burning Man or one of those type events where people really feel they can lose inhibition.”
Variety is the name of the game for Marcum and her crew, and there should be no shortage of that this year. “We’ll have some African drumming, and parade as much as we can,” says Marcum. “We’ll have the masks, the costuming, the bead throwing, and performers that are integrated into the audience as well as a circus that happens between the acts.” Throughout the night, there will be about fifty people performing including stilt walkers, fire performers, and a body painter. There is a story line to the madness, although for many a partygoer, it may just pass them by. “There is a Voodoo Queen and some Voodoo dolls. There is a scorned lover, basically, and she goes to the Voodoo Queen. The audience doesn’t necessarily have to get the story but it’s what drives our characters and it gives a reason for doing and act as opposed to just having it be cabaret style. Everything has a purpose.”
“It is so much fun because you get to be a part of it, you’re not just an observer you’re a participant,” Marcum says.
The crew is currently in the process of putting the show together, trying out their ideas and getting people up to speed. “We all get together and try things, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t,” says choreographer Christina Conger. The circus will consist of two half hour acts between the musical performances.
Conger was brought out last year to work with MOTH Poetic Circus by Marcum. “She brought me in as the dance captain and co-chroeographer,” says Conger. “It’s been fun to dive in.”
“Christina is my brain, I’ll have an idea and I’ll say create that and she’ll say ‘OK,’” says Marcum.
MOTH (Movement OfThe Heart) Poetic Circus was brought to life by Marcum over five years ago. She is an aerialist and has made her career in the arts since moving to Colorado from New York. The ‘Poetic Circus’ aspect refers the storylines and show aspect, as the dancers are far more than just athletes. I like Denver because it is in an international city but it’s in one of the most beautiful places you can imagine,” says Marcum. “And it’s growing.”
Cirque Side of the Moon, MOTH Poetic Circus’ other production which kicked off at last year’s inaugural Voodoo Mardi Gras, will be touring nationally alongside the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular.
Tickets for the Voodoo Mardi Gras Circus are available through Hold My Ticket and casselmansbarandvenue.com.
Category: Local News
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