Visioning for Tantra Palooza

Announcing the new line up of 10 national tantra teachers who will come together under ONE BIG TOP TENT at a gorgeous natural location in the hills of Escondido, CA called The Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa for Columbus day weekend (Oct. 8th Fri.-Mon. 11th.) This historic natural estate was originally devoted to health and healing and offers an 11-acre garden paradise with miles of rock lined walking trails, fountains, orchards, and gardens where our participants can enjoy the pool, spa, game room, hiking, and ofcourse hours of transformative tantra teaching. We're excited to be featuring: David Cates, Francoise Ginsberg, Jaiya Ma, Katie Weatherup, Kirin Khalsa, Liquid Bells, Reid Mihalko, Robert Silber and Shawn Roop. During the evenings we will have pujas, parties and performance art by San Diego tantra theater on the outdoor ampatheater under the oak trees. The retreat will be limited to 65 participants. The tuition price $497 price includes lodging in the rustic retreat and there is a $100 early bird Special for those who register Now.

kamala@blisscoach.com

What's Your Story?

This is the graduating class of Tantra Theater. We are now auditioning for the next 90 day journey. No experience is necessary. Infact, Kamala Devi prefers to work with newbies and novices than trained thespians. You must exhibit an open mind towards subjects of sexuality and spirituality, a flexibility and willingness to be directed, an positive orientation towards teamwork and stability in other areas of your life such as financial and relationship. In order to access your compatibility we invite you to attend an audition/open house where you can meet Kamala Devi and the rest of the cast and see if you resonate. Our next Open house is May 13th and the show will be called: Dick Dialogs.
What's your story? We invite you to explore your relationship with the lingam, penis or dick, oncamera or on stage. The journey involves at least 9 weekly rehearsals and a private session that culminate in a public showcase on Aug. 21st. And a video recording of 5-10 minutes of a polished performance which you can show your friends and lovers. This first gathering is an audition where Kamala Devi will access your willingness and you can see if you like Kamala's directing style. Course runs: 6:45pm on Thursdays Jan. 21st; Feb 4th,11th,18th; March 4th,11th,18th; and April 1st, 8th and 15th. Course fee of $497 includes 2 hours of private coaching, DVD of your performance, graduation party and optional attendance to an additional 6 comedy improv classes. http://www.tantratheater.tv/ or visit http://www.blisscoach.com/
If you are interested in performing in the Monthly Tantra Theater Improv Show, you must have graduated from at least one 90 day TT journey and attend two mandatory rehearsals prior to the show. Rehearsals are on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6:45 at the Emerald Temple. We also have a 5pm Call time to rehearse before the actual show. We will hold one decompression and planning meeting for the cast and crew on the Last Thursday of the month at 6:45pm.
In order to become a part of the professional troupe you must have taken at least two tantra theater journeys and must be in frequent attendance at Tuesday's rehearsal and have performed in at least 3 professional shows. In extraordinary circumstances the director may make a powerful exceptions to the above rules, please discuss with Kamala if you cannot meet these agreements.

And the Golden Lingam Award goes to...

During each show, there is at least one player who shows up big. I mean really, really big. Someone who is pregnant with ideas, time and energy to contribute to the ensemble and the entire production. This is someone who is unconditionally supportive of everyone else, who handles their own work load and goes way beyond the call of duty to make the show a shimmering success. In many teams, drama classes, or theater troupes this person would be considered the most valuable player. And in the big leagues of acting their quality may even be recognized with a prestigious academy award. In Tantra Theater however, MVP stands for Most Vulnerable Player and we recognize them with the perpetual Golden Lingam Award. In Spring of 09 it was gifted to Janos Novak for building props and getting naked onstage, In Winter of 09 it went to Sara Murray Novak for painting backdrops and now, in Spring of 2010 it goes to...Michael McClure AKA Eco-Elf.

I know, I know, he's my husband. And as the director of Tantra Theater, I was reluctant to bestow this high honor on someone that I'm sleeping with. I didn't want to cause mutiny amongst the cast, but I'm sure they would all agree that he has produced more new material than everyone else put together. As a budding environmental comedian, he created over 15 minutes for the April show, another 20 minutes for earth day and a brand new 5 minute piece for the Shamanic Storytelling showcase. Not to mention, he rigged the lights, loaded and unloaded the entire set into his truck, and was the patron saint in funding the April show. Thank you Michael. We love you. And your toxic comedy makes us LOL! 
P.S. Can I borrow that award when your not using it?

Bee Medicine

       I stepped on a Bee at Earth-day. Michael sucked the stinger out of the sole (soul) of my left foot, but I couldn't sleep a wink last night. It happened right after leading a prayer circle to Mamma Earth, I was rushing off to our next performance. So I asked my Facebook friends: what do you think it means?
     Here are the responses I got:
Amrita Joy Ananda Ma the message from Bee is "BE" maybe the challenge is to be present even in the moment of rushing?...

Joy Nelson "Bees are the symbol of fertility and sexuality.
Its honeycomb, a hexagon, is the symbol of the heart and represents the sweetness of life found within our own heart. It is also the symbol of the sun and all its energies.
The bee reminds us to extract the honey of life and to make our lives fertile (productive) while the sun shines. No matter how great the dream is, there is the promise of fulfillment if we pursue our dreams....
If a Bee has shown up in your life, examine your own productivity. Are you doing all you can to make your life more fertile? Are you busy enough? Are you making time to savor the honey of life and not becoming a workaholic?
The Bee is the symbol of accomplishing the impossible. Aerodynamically, its body is too large for its wings and should not be able to fly. Although now we understand how it does fly (high rate of wing movement), the Bee remains a symbol of accomplishing anything you put your mind to.
In Hinduism, the Bee relates to Vishnu, Krishna or Kama, the God of Love. In Egypt, the Bee symbolized royalty. In Greece, it was the symbol of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Celts associated the Bee with hidden wisdom."
This is the information I have about the bee as a totem animal...considering his impressionable grand entrance, take note of what you were doing at the time... what were you thinking, how were you feeling...at that exact moment... I would say there is a message there...
From my heart to yours, Joy

Nathan Darling:  It means you are lucky to have Michael.

Patrick M. McGee- Russell ... A bee sting ... traditionally a doorway to the world of the "Dreamcatcher" ... the world of endless walking/waking dreaming ...

Paul Anthony:  It means that Tracey couldn't have been far away. :)

Robyn Talbott:  Lavender oil works wonders for bee stings! 

SaRina Daly-Goode: And It was on Earth Day when Kamala Devi received of the BEE Medicine - Empowered Alchemy of Sharper Vision, Community Leadership, Humming Love, all this with sharp and sweet tongue. And it was on Earth day that devotion, care, and support was celebrated by a man taking care of his beloved. And on this day- Mama Earth was blessed with all of her creatures. Knowing each moment consist of pain, love, joy, suffering, wonderment and awe.

Nathan Darling Wow SaRina, what a beautiful way you have of putting it altogether.

John McP It means ... watch where you're stepping, especially if you have bare feet! FWIW, a girl I dated got a little drunk and crazy on graduation night at her college, and was running around in bare feet, at night. Meanwhile, some of her fellow students were throwing glass bottles and breaking them. You can guess what happened. I spent part of that night pulling glass shards out of her bloody feet!

Sarah Murraynovak: Why shoes were invented, darling. Well, that and other fetish-y type reasons...

Deborah Anapol: The best medicine for a bee or wasp sting is to pee on it ... as soon as possible. Really works!

Tracey Lontos yup....that bee stilng was probably meant for me! thanks for taking one for the team Kamala!

Kamala Devi My foot is still hurting...but my heart is singing from all the well wishes and attention... thanks for the bee poetry!

Anita DeFrancesco it means you shouldn't rush..........

Joy Phoenix Bees are my heros, it is scientifically proven that they cannot fly, they don't care a bit.

Kamala Devi One of my Tantra Theater Players just peed on my foot in hopes of helping me sleep tonight...I will pray to the bee Deva to help me experience more Be-ingness and to savor the nectar of life. But my nature tends to be more like busy little worker who flies despite the arodynamic impossibility!

Jeffrey Bloom Focus on The "Nectar"!

Nathan Darling I really want to know if the pee idea worked.

Renee Airya this happened for me last year. i thought it was a good sign of soaking up abundance :) i love bees and their medicine and tings are good for your immune system (unless of course you are allergic!)

J Bradley Wadsworth: You're angry at someone or something. Who do you want to "sting" right now?

Still Seeking Stage Manager

There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes in tantra theater. If your interested in helping out as voluteer crew or auditioning for the Stage Manager Position please write Kalidas@gmail.com or come to the Open House/Auditions on May 13th & May 20th in Pacific Beach. For details check out http://www.tantratheater.tv/.

Reviews for Tantra Theater

We are seeking testimonials from audience from Saturday's Shamanic Storytelling Showcase.  The following comments were overheard on FACEBOOK or shared during the Q &A. I will be posting them with pictures on http://www.tantratheater.tv/. Can't wait to hear from you.

Jo Balms: It was an amazing and inspiring night. thank you for sharing in such a profound, meaningful, and FUN way! Looking forward to the next one :)

Katie Weatherup: I was delighted with the show. Deep, fun, rich. As a professional Shaman, it was wonderful to watch my work onstage. You represent well, I wouldn't have changed a word.

Amrita Joy Ananda Ma: You were wonderful. "I was suprised by how much emotion I felt seeing myself enacted in the performance."

Alexis: Shawn, I loved your heart-felt 'story' of sharing! you 'gave' sooo much ;-)

Janos Novak: Kamala, Four words comes to my mind about your performance, TIE ME UP and AMAZING! Shawn, great singing. Akasha, I see you in your truth, you were stunning. Sarah you are beautiful onstage and offstage!

Cheri Reeder: I loved all the performances and at one point it was so beautiful, I had tears streaming down my face.

Shamanic Storytelling Showcase

We gathered for one season and through ritual and play we created the safety to share our stories, dreams, and visions. We got naked metaphorically, and literally and birthed this body of personal narratives. Today we invite you into our circle and ask that you breathe deep and see yourself in our performances.

The Showcase opened with An invocation by Ember. "Open Me up so I can Recieve, Open me up so I can Believe." One of our cast members was called away to be with her father during his transition to the other side. We dedicate this show to: Rita Mooney.

Shawn Roop shares his initation into tantra in a piece called: The gift of receiving.

Colibri performs her intiation into polyamory in a piece called: This changes everything.

One of the fundamental practices of the Shamanic path is soul retrieval. The next series of personal narratives are True stories that illustrate a variety of ways to reclaim our wholeness. Akasha Rose performs Recovery Room

Kamala Devi does Liberation Through Bondage.

A shaman is someone who straddles two worlds: Light, Dark, Male, Female, Animal and God sometimes shape shifts into other forms… and they often work in the realm of altered states, such as dreamtime and vision. Put your hands together for the next series of surreal stories. Ember Shares Extra Terrestrial Shamanism.

Rae Newoman uses the shamanic tool of turning her wounds into art, music and song in her piece called Circumsision and then offers another ensamble piece called: Sister Gayles Ascension with the help of Shawn, Akasha, Michael and Colibri.

Michael McClure Plays the guitar after performing his piece Sleepwalker.

Rae Newoman, Colibri and Akasha dance in the "flow of the universe" together.

 

Another healing tool that the Shaman uses is art. I want to acknowledge Sister Sarah for painting this gorgeous backdrop.  Sarah Anchors the show with her final sexy act called: Billie Jean.

I love my Tantra Theater Cast!

After the show we offered a 30 minute Q & A which was like a delicious dessert after a special feast. 

I presented Tantra Theater's mock version of the academy award: The Golden Lingam Award to Michael McClure for being the most valuable player and special kudos to his work as Eco Elf.

If you can imagined yourself up here on stage telling your story...We invite you to come and Audition for tantra theater on Thurs. May 13th. No experience necessary. We will be starting another 90 day class that will culminate in a big stage production like this in August. It will be called...

 "Dick Dialogs" Both Women and Men are invited to explore their relationship to the Sacred Lingam, Penis, or Dick.  For details please write tantrikakalidas@gmail.com 

There were over 70 people in house. Thanks for being such a fabulous audience. Extra Gratitude to Heidi for being the House Manager, Dawn for publicity, Janos for the opening, Kainat for consessions, Adam for lights and sound, Monique for running the crew, Jim Ellis for Videography and ofcourse Electric Rick and Julie Kondor for photography!

Video Intro to the Sacred Path of Poly Workshop

This info-rich video was shot last May after the Annual Daka Dakini Conference in Sedona. Thank you to all the teachers and peers in this circle, to Dez for hosting it and Wes Wolcott for shooting it.  The full video can be seen at http://www.templeartsprodutions.com/

Happy Earthday--We'll be performing Eco Comedy at Balboa Park

12:30 – 1:00 Tantra Theater / Eco Elf – Comedy at the world beat stage. If you want to perform please meet me at the stage by 12pm so I can organize who'll be playing what games on the set list.
Also, Sarah will be vending at booth #843 near the Hall of Champions.

FYI--Here's what's happening all through the park.
Main Stage:

11:00am-11:20am Red Warrior
11:20am-11:40am Egyptian Drum + Dance
12:00pm-12:20pm Brazilian Dance
12:30pm-12:50pm Sene Africa
1:00pm-1:30pm Bolga Zohdoohmah
1:45pm- 2:15 pm Jaam Kwest
2:30pm- 3:00pm Quinto Sol
3:00pm-3:30pm Llyod Brown
3:45pm – 5:00pm Mad Professor
5:10pm-6:00pm Diblo Dibala


WORLD MUSIC STAGE

11:00 – 12:00 Bhakti Yoga - Kirtans

Krisna' Kirtan / Mike Ehler / Prem Darshuan

12:00 – 12:30 Maesyn

12:30 – 1:00 Tantra Theater / Eco Elf – Comedy

1:00 – 1:45 Sister Speak

1:45 – 2:00 Mimi Kirk

2:00 Tchiya Amet

2:45 Lori Grace / Barbara George– Prop 16

3:00 Singing Bear

3:45 Rainbeau Mars

4:00 Sene Africa

4:45 Nature

5:00 The Human Revolution

6:00 Closing with Leslie Goldman & Nature


VISIONARY CULTURE STAGE
10:45 – 12:00 Agni Hotra with Baba Bengi
Pranashama Vinyasa Yoga
with Dashama
12:00 – 1:00 Yoga with Rainbeau Mars
1:00 – 1:45 Doctors Panel with Laura Fox
Dr. David Carmos, Dr. Shawn Miller, Dr. Susan Schenk,
1:45 – 2:00 Kamlesh Singh Ashtanga Yoga
2:00 – 2:45 Jasmuheen
Indigenous Insights (the Kogi of Colombia)
2012 Health & Heart Harmonics
2:45 Brother Jerome
Invocation of Light with Yoga
3:00 – 3:30 Bikbaye Inejnema
Ankhkasta Natural Healing
3:30 – 4:15 Angelina Elliot / Barry Koral / Mimi Kirk
Optimizing Your Health & Well Being
4:15 – 5:00 Chad Vandenberg - Elements for Life
5:00 – 5:15 Lori Grace / Barbara George – Prop 16
5:15 - 6:00 Dr. Robert Cassar - Earth Shift Project

KIDS STAGE
11 am Art Playshop with AliKat
11:45 Jeff “Turtle” Bloom & Brian Purdy
Dolphin & Whale Music
1:00 Tim Redbird
Native American Story -Telling & Drumming
2:00 Lamine Thiam
African Dance Wellness
3:00 Nana Yaw Asiedu
African Drumming
4:00 Josiah
5:00 Kids Open Mic, Come Share Your Musical Gifts On Stage!

My Rant on book Publishing

For Writing Students Only:
I'm sorry about the miscommunication where some students missed this call... Here is class #8 How to Write a Book in 90 days...which includes my rant on the Publishing world. I hope it's helpful.

Blessings,
KD

Humming birds

     There are two hummingbird spirits in our Shamanic Storytelling Show this Saturday... Infact one of our performers carries the spiritual name Colibri which means hummingbird in Spanish. AKA Chupa Rosa which literally translates to Suck Roses. Which got me thinking, what is the spiritual significance of a humming bird? I enjoyed reading this article by Judy L. Evridge called: Hummingbird as a Guardian Spirit? 

      I'm also hoping to inspire Sarah our Tantra Theater set designer to paint a humming bird for the show. I love the color of the first picture, but want to see her flying to the right as pictured in the last three images. Enjoy 

     Hummingbirds are native to the mountains of South America, early Spanish explorers gave the hummingbirds the name Joyas voladoras,which means "flying jewel". With their bright iridescent colors no name could have been more fitting! In the eighteenth Century they were assigned their own family: Trochilidae, from the Greek trochilos, meaning small bird.
     Totem is an Algonquin word used by anthropologists and others to define the hereditary symbol of a tribe, clan, people, or a family. This symbol, usually an animal (but sometimes a plant), is considered to be an ancestor of the tribe. It is a beast which possesses special wisdom of descendants.
    A Totem can also be associated with an individual. It can be a persons guardian spirit. Those who believe in Totems, believe that a Hummingbird as an Animal Totem:

1. Has the Ability to heal by using light as a laser from it's mouth
2. Has Endurance for long journeys
3. Has the Ability to fly into small places to heal
4. Brings Joy, Happiness and Love.

     The hummingbird being the tiniest of all birds is thought to bring "special" messages. What is the hummingbird's message for us all? It is thought that the hummingbird teaches us malleability or compliance. To "roll with the punches" and adapt to whatever life may hand us! To accept life as it is, and make the most of a bad situation! And to never, never look back at what might have been.

        A hummingbird person sees beauty in all that surrounds them and finds much joy in sharing that beauty with others. They have a talent for seeing the pleasant side of people and refuse to be put off by a grumpy or abrupt exterior, feeling certain that they will find kindness and beauty beneath the cantankerous mask.

       The hummingbird person is very energetic and free spirited! If restricted or restrained, they may suffer periods of deep depression and feelings of hopelessness.

    Soucre: Hummingbird as a Guardian Spirit? by Judy L. Evridge.

Dragonfly

When a dragonfly lands on you, you will hear excellent news from someone far away from home. A dead dragonfly symbolizes sad news. Dragonfly symbolism crosses and combines with that of the butterfly and change. The dragonfly symbolizes going past self-created illusions that limit our growing and changing. Dragonflies are a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity.

They are fantastic flyers, darting like light, twisting, turning, changing direction, even going backwards as the need arises. They are inhabitants of two realms - starting with water, and moving to the air with maturity, but staying close to water. Some people who have the dragonfly as their totem have had emotional and passionate early years, but as they get older they achieve balance with mental clarity and control. They gain an expression of the emotional and mental together.
Dragonflies are old and adaptive insects, and are most powerful in the summer under the effects of warmth and sunlight. Their colors are a result of reflecting and refracting the power of light. As a result, they are associated with color magic, illusion in causing others only to see what you wish, and other mysticism.
The are often represented in Japanese paintings, representing new light and joy. To some Native Americans they are the souls of the dead. Faerie stories say that they used to be real dragons.
Dragonflies are reminders that we are light and can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. "Let there be light" is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force within your life. They help you to see through your illusions and allow your own light to shine in a new vision.
Source: http://www.askyewolfe.com/

Sacred Snuggle Party April 2010

We set a new record tonight at the Emerald Temple. There was a SPONTANEOUS group spoon which was 16 people deep.  One regular member, Marty, jokingly called it an impressive "silverware structure."  We may also have set a record for the greatest number of New Members!  It also happened to be the last performance of tantra theater in this venue.  The show featured new performances by Rae Newoman and "Audience Awakenings" by Barbra and David.  I hope you all come and see the upcoming "Shamanic Storytelling" show on April 17th at the new location. Check out http://www.tantratheater.tv/ for tickets.

Set Design ideas for Shamanic Storytelling Show

     The Novaks are Tantra Theater's secret weapon.
     Since the inception of the show Sarah has built backdrops, consulted on costumes, supported the performers and most recently did body painting at the launch party. Last year she won the prestigious golden lingam award, which is essentially our parody version of the academy award, given each season to the "most valuable player."
     The tradition began when her husband Janos crafted the sculpture (after his own anatomy) and used it in his famous personal narrative entitled, "I'm not gay." Janos also rigged the lighting, graced our stage with the full Monty during an religiously controversial re-birthing scene and ultimately crucified himself on an 8 foot wooden cross.
     Admittedly it is not always easy to be in relationship with another artist while collaborating on radical experimental art, but these two are admirable in their willingness to do the deep work, and they are an artistic force to be reckoned with.

      Sarah will be creating a 4x6 foot painting set to fit the famous golden frame that Janos donated last year. The set piece will grace the stage on April 17th and so, we are looking for dreamtime art to resonate with the Shamanic Theme..I'm posting several inspiring pieces by a variety of shamanic artists to align the cast and crew with the concept of the show. I'll post a picture of the finished product when it's done. Enjoy.