La Natividad

Created with Sandy Spieler, Patrick and Luisa Cabello-Hansel, Laurie Witzkowski, Paul Robinson, Masanari Kawahara, and Duane Tougas

Enacted in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016

The Christmas Story created as a partnership between In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and St Paul's Lutheran Church with 130 performers of all ages (bi-lingual). A roving piece encompassing 4 sites in the South Minneapolis neighborhood around In the Heart of the Beast Theatre and St Paul's.

LA Natividad 2016

Tickets on sale HERE

La Natividad 2014

We’re taking the Nativity Story to the Streets!

Angels and shepherds. A suspicious king. A time of social distress. A pregnant woman knocks on the doors of the city, seeking shelter. Who is it that gathers to welcome the little one into this world? This is the Christmas Story, the story of the Holy Child born in our midst. This unique event honors the Mexican tradition of La Posada, leading everyone on a journey to four sites in our community. Enacted with beauty, humor, soulful live music, and an ending feast. (Performed in English and Spanish)

Ángeles y pastores. Un rey sospecho. Un momento de angustia social. Una mujer embarazada va de puerta en puerta por la ciudad, pidiendo posada. ¿Quiénes se reunirán para recibir al chiquito que llegará al mundo? Esta es la historia de la Natividad, la historia del niño santo nacido entre nosotros. Presentado en colaboración con la Iglesia Luterana de San Pablo, este evento único honra la tradición mexicana de las posadas. Caminaremos a la luz da las velas a varios lugares de nuestra comunidad. Imbuido de belleza y humor, con música en vivo y una fiesta con comida. (En inglés y español).

La Natividad 2012

December 13-22, 2012

The Nativity Story According to St. Matthew and St. Luke.
La Historia de Navidad de Acuerdo a San Mateo y San Lucas

“En el nombre del cielo pedimos posada...”
“In the name of heaven we ask for a place to stay...”

This alternative holiday show combines street theatre, HOBT’s expressive puppetry, and an outdoor candle-lit procession. Much more than a straightforward enactment of the Christmas story, La Natividad unites evocative theater with an open-armed community celebration of inclusion and generosity. It has become a tradition for many in the Twin Cities who wish to push beyond the commercialism that abounds during this season and experience the essence of holiday season.

La Natividad brings the Christmas story into this time and the complexity of our immediate neighborhood. Initially conceived to bring all residents of the area together, the performance is bilingual (in Spanish and English) and incorporates the Mexican holiday tradition of Las Posadas. Throughout the performance, the audience moves from place to place and becomes part of the story. Beginning at HOBT’s Theater and Mercado Central, the audience accompanies Maria and José through the streets as they look for refuge. The procession ends with a magical, puppet-filled Nativity, plus a fiesta— complete with music and food.

Presented in partnership with St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and Mercado Central.