Casa Magazine

Zabella’s Circle

Reviewed by Alex Henteloff
Special to CASA

ARTS FOR HUMANITY is presenting Zabella’s Circle, an enchanting production blending theatre,  dance, music and art, performed by the innovative  Blue Moon Players, a mixed ability performance  troupe. This is the 7th year that founder and director  Karsen Lee Gould has brought her “celebration of  humanity through the arts” to Santa Barbara. It is billed as “An enchanting Production Celebrating  the Magic of the Creative Spirit,” and it mostly  delivers in its special way. Art has the power to  uplift us spiritually, and here we have the opportunity  to be uplifted as we watch and enjoy the infusion of  energy and joy and wholehearted commitment this group brings to their work.

Gould, who holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Creative Arts Therapies, spends several months each year working through improvisation with music and dance, guiding, shaping, and ultimately creating a very special performance piece. Zabella’s Circle is presented in two acts, Act One: Vignettes, is just that (fun, surprising, lyrical, growing to a compassionate dance of human yearning and empathy that is very moving) and Act Two: Zabella’s Circle, (written by Ms. Gould and Frank Palmieri) which is a short story brought to life. The company is worthy of support, and their efforts are inspiring.

Zabella’s Circle is presented in two  acts, Act One: Vignettes, is just that  (fun, surprising, lyrical, growing to a  compassionate dance of human  yearning and empathy that is very  moving) and Act Two: Zabella’s Circle, (written by Ms. Gould and  Frank Palmieri) which is a short  story brought to life.  The company is worthy of support,  and their efforts are inspiring.

Alex Henteloff, a member of the  Academy of Television Arts &  Sciences with over 40 years  experience in the theatre, has spent most of his professional career as an  actor. Email him at  ahent@juno.com