Basilica of Saint Mary, Heart of The Beast Media Advisory

1. MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
December 8, 2012
The Nativity Story—Performed by In The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre
The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis presents La Natividad
WHAT:
On December 8th, The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis welcomes In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask
Theatre to perform a special rendition of the Nativity story. Parishioners and community members are invited to this event
to celebrate the holidays and the story of Christ’s birth.
La Natividad Event Schedule:
2:00pm-3:00pm: The production is approximately 1 hour long, starting at 2:00pm.
BACKGROUND:
La Natividad is a unique version of the Nativity story. This holiday performance incorporates street theatre and expressive
puppetry. This production is more than a straightforward reenactment of the Christmas story; it is a celebration that unites
the Christian community through expressive theatre to represent the joyousness of Christ’s birth.
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre was founded in 1973 to enrich the south Minneapolis community
through stories that depict the struggles and celebrations of the world around us. The world’s traditions act as a muse for
HOBT resulting in craft that is imperative and inventive drama for all ages and backgrounds.
KEY FACTS:
• This performance will be held at The Basilica of Saint Mary on December 8 at 2:00pm.
• The event is a progressive piece that moves through different locations in The Basilica and has a great deal of
audience interaction.
• The registration page is located at mary.org. For more information, see contacts below.
• Ticket Packages are listed on the website, some include a luncheon prior to the performance starting at 12:30pm.
PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
• Great visuals for photographs and video as life-sized puppets and actors move through the beautiful backdrop of The
Basilica and engage with the audience.
• Interview cast and audience members about the performance and why the event is meaningful to them.
• Interview Johan van Parys, Director of Liturgy at The Basilica, to learn about the La Natividad and what inspired the
collaboration between The Basilica and The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre.
WHEN/WHERE:
Saturday, December 8, 2012, 2:00pm The Basilica of Saint Mary
CONTACT:
Jenna Bennett Meghan Gustafson
Director of Marketing & Communications Events Coordinator
Cell: 612-328-5749 Cell: 612-317-3428
jbennett@mary.org mgustafson@mary.org

2. ABOUT THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY
Based in Minneapolis, The Basilica of Saint Mary is a community rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Co-
Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, it is our mandate to model, to inspire, and to provide quality
liturgy, religious education, pastoral care, and hospitality; preach justice and provide emergency relief to the poor; pursue
interfaith relationships; and contribute to the celebration of the sacred arts of this community.
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