By the West Michigan Tourist Association
The Mendel Center presents an evening of thrills and storytelling for the whole family when Aureum – An Aerial and Acrobatic Adventure Tale from Halcyon Shows comes to the Mainstage on Saturday, April 4, at 8 p.m. as part of the Discovery Series.
Aureum is a story of finding love in the most unusual places, and how the bonds that unite us are stronger than those that divide us. The benevolent White Queen of Aureum and her warrior guardian welcome twins into the world. Knowing that the White Queen’s bloodline is the only way to gain control of the powerful magic of the Seed, the Red Empress, seeking to gain ultimate power over Aureum, hatches an evil plan to kidnap one of the twins, setting the tale in motion.
The Seed commands the forces of nature and imbues its carrier with immense power and strength. In the meantime, a young academic has discovered a key that magically transports him to Aureum where he stumbles into a world of wonder and the amazing characters who staunchly defend it.
Through the sorcery of the Red Empress, a gathering of dark powers threatens the tranquil world of Aureum, and its inhabitant must find a way to protect it at all costs.
Halcyon was established in 2017 with the mission of creating a new genre in theatre known as theatrical acrobatics, which seamlessly integrates compelling storytelling and characters with world-class acrobatics and aerial. Aureum combines these elements with an incredible original soundtrack and high-flying technical elements that would only otherwise be possible in stadiums. With an award-winning cast and a rich narrative, Halcyon’s shows are an unforgettable experience for every audience.
At 1:00 pm on April 4th, the cast of Aureum invite you to participate in a Character Creation Workshop. Participants will get a close-up demonstration of the aerial acrobatics used in the show, then learn how to envision and inhabit a character through physicality and movement. All ages and ability levels are welcome. Participants’ feet will stay firmly on the ground. Participation is free, but pre-registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Tickets for Aureum are on sale at www.TheMendelCenter.com, through The Mendel Center Box Office at 269-927-8700, option 1, and in person weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the box office located in the Grand Upton Hall lobby of The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor.
Tickets start at $26. Discounts are available for seniors, students and children, veterans, and groups of 10 or more.
This performance is sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn – Benton Harbor, and it is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Crane Group.
