Earthfire's Miraj a Fringe Hit
By Carol Sokoloff
OPA! The newsletter of the Oriental Performing Arts Society, Victoria, Fall 2003
I didn't catch much of Victoria's Fringe festival, being out of town for most of it. I got back in time for the final performance of Earthfire's exceptional theatre presentation Miraj.
 Its loosely organized scenes or theatrical tableaus featured fine dances from Gypsy, to Sword and Cups - a Tarot deck come to life - including Lynette Harper's memorable High Priestess. Tying all together was a Rumi-reciting crone, excellently portrayed by Denman Island's Ana Miriam Leigh.
The technical values were outstanding - beautiful lighting to show each dance and dancer in appealing and inspired tones; high quality, well-chosen and well edited music and sound; a real fountain of water in the "Three of Cups" sequence. Most importantly, the dancing was equally interesting and accomplished as were the excellent costumes, lights and props.
Ferda started everything off as a Gypsy at dawn, awakening in the encampment. A sword trio was one of the best sword dances I have ever seen - everything working together - music, movements, costumes and lights to evoke the high drama of this dance.
When I learned that two of the Earthfire collaborators would be leaving these parts and that Miraj might not be performed again, I felt very privileged to have caught this impressive Dance Theatre presentation.
Though the purpose and destination of this magical theatre piece was not always clear (Earthfire could aim to strengthen the book aspect - the story and organization of events) - the sheer beauty and polish of this Fringe Festival show made one more than willing to simply go along for the ride. Way to go Earthfire! Encore!
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