JCTC Presents TREKKING MEXICO Cinco De Mayo Weekend

Instead of building walls, Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) embraces and celebrates our diversity society. The people and their many different cultural traditions of Mexico take center stage at White Eagle Hall when Mexico Beyond Mariachi (MBM) returns to Jersey City with a new interactive, bilingual theatrical production: Trekking Mexico.

Presented through JCTC-KIDS, JCTC's youth and family programing division, this family friendly, interactive production takes audiences on an unforgettable journey deep into the heartbeat of Mexican Culture, both ancient and contemporary. Trekking Mexico is an entertaining, educational and exciting expedition through Mexican music and dance and storytelling - from the drums of Tenochtitlan to the jaranas (Mexican-styled guitars) of Veracruz and from the jungles of Tabasco to the mountains of Guerrero. This multimedia show whisks young and old alike away on a joyful ride through the culturally vast republic of America's southern neighbor.

"Trekking Mexico uses authentic costumes, dance, music and stories that are very true to the historical and cultural identity of Mexico," said Olga Levina, Artistic Director, JCTC. "Diversity in our programming is essential to JCTC's mission . When you enable young people to experience the dance, music and stories of other cultures, they grow more tolerant and intellectually curious."

MBM is a Music and Dance company, whose theatrical productions are a redefining the perception of Mexican culture for the next generation - Trekking Mexico is a bilingual, family friendly, interactive multimedia performance show told through storytelling, live music and dance. MBM was created 15 years ago as way for audiences to experience traditional Mexican performance culture. Its original mission was to create in-depth arts in education and school performance programing - reaching more than 100,00 students in over 250 schools - by 2015 the company mounting a full scale touring shows playing performing arts centers and theaters. Last October, JCTC-KIDS brought MBM to White Eagle Hall for its acclaimed production, Dia de Los Muertos.

According to Peter Basil Bogdanos, Co-founder, Executive Director of MBM, and a long-time North Bergen resident, where Dia de los Muertos focused on the stories and legends surrounding the Day of the Dead holiday, the new Trekking Mexico "is a 600 year journey that begins in the fascinating world of Mesoamerican civilization, then continues chronologically, illustrating through music, dance, and storytelling how time, geography, climate and foreign influences have affected folk traditions to the present day."

Bogdanos added, "We are excited to be returning to JCTC with our Trekking Mexico show. We are thankful for JCTC giving voice to a concert focused on family audiences that celebrates the diversity of the surrounding community. Join us on this fast paced trek into the heart of Mexico."

"Equal parts artistic and educational, Mexico Beyond Mariachi re-defines the interactive entertaining experience, engaging and captivating audiences of all ages," said Gayle Schmidt, Director of Public Education, New York Botanical Garden. "Each member brings a unique and personal aspect to the stage, creating cohesive, well-balanced, and engaging performances. A pure delight to watch!"

Jersey City Theater Center, Inc. (JCTC) presents programming at Merseles Studios and White Eagle Hall. JCTC is a nonprofit, 501c3 arts organization committed to inspiring conversations about the important topics of our times through innovative and progressive performing and visual arts that celebrates diversity, bringing communities closer together and enhancing the quality of life.

www.JCTCenter.org

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