Circle/Shape One: Obatalá

This circle honors Obatalá. Obatalá is the eldest of the Orishas, the creator of all mankind, called on during times of legal strife, he is a fair and honest judge, providing strength to the innocent and justice to the guilty. A gentle sky-God associated with the crucified Christ. Androgynous, he is integrated opposites, mother-father, young-old, dark-light, good-evil, right-wrong = Christ or San Martín de Porres = Archangel Gabriel; represents writers, teachers, postal workers, messengers. --

In Circle One: (Obatala/San Martín de Porres/Archangel Gabriel)

SAINTS 2-6 STAND IN THEIR CIRCLES IN STILLNESS We hear the sound of Glass shattering, lightning and bells which segues into the OBATALA music. All the Actor-Entities enter, they do a simple, synchronized movement that takes them to their places in their specific circle, and wait for the Circle One Entity to speak—and once the MAILPERSON speaks—the ritual begins.

THE ANGELS GUIDE MARTÍNA TO HER CIRCLE. SHE IS CARRYING THE PROTEST SIGN. Displayed on the Tarot card: The Magician & Judgement. Recorded Sound: The gates to Heaven on Earth open with the playing of the Marimbula. A sound like the opening of crystal curtains in the earth-bound world. The miracle begins.

Recorded Line: Awaken to the soul-plucked crystalline sounds of songs sung only to you. ANGELS WHISPER Listen to your whispering ancestors: Don’t sleep through this life. MARTÍNA Listen to your whispering ancestors: Don’t sleep through this life.

Printed on a protest sign: [Sign held up by one of the actors.] ANGELS WHISPER “Only when I sing to you, I awake.” -Julia de Burgos MARTÍNA PUTS THE PROTEST SIGN DOWN

The Magician-Mailperson-Angel enters Circle One. He/She/They carry mail-in ballots made of feathers in a messenger bag. And their wings are made of black ballpoint pens. They do a trick of pulling a ballot out of their envelope hat.

MARTÍNA the Mailperson: (Live) This here is an act of pride. In each envelope, there’s a pledge to your community. Right inside here...you changed this world before, you can do it again!

(HE/SHE/THEY listens to the recorded sound or actually plays it for the audience. The ANGEL helps with this and displays the Tarot.)

MARTÍNA(s): (live, one voice or three) 1: Year One. ANGEL 1 BEN: Begins with you. ANGEL 2 STEPH: Cast it in the likeness of your hands. ALL ACTORS: Salvation.

SAINTS 2-6 BEGIN THEIR MOVEMENT LOOPS

MARTINA picks up protest sign and speaks text: “Only when I sing to you, I awake.” -Julia de Burgos Sets down protest sign with ceremony

END OF LOOP – ANGELS GUIDE AUDIENCE TO NEXT CIRCLE; SAINT CONTINUES TO LOOP MOVEMENT WITH TEXT AS NEEDED