Allerseelen

ALLERSEELEN (pronounced al-er-ZEE-len) is a German term for All Souls’ Day. Company member Sheila Sisler-Currie explains, “On this day, having cleaned and decorated the gravesite, we honor our dead by  sharing a big feast of the departed’s favorite foods, including a tasty adult beverage or two. The entire family relives happy memories.” ALLERSEELEN is presented from the point of view of the recently departed Mama whose spirit visits the celebration to look back on moments of significance and joy.

Sheila, a writer, producer and performer, believes whole-heartedly that the people need to be entertained! Originally set to produce a live show centered around Dia de los Muertos, she retooled the production for video, put her large family to work as performers and took the show in a different direction – Tag der Toten (Day of the Dead). Inspiration came from Mama who would shake her finger at Sheila and say, “It’s not where you live, but how you live. I’ll never die as long as you keep remembering.” Sheila fondly recalls this pronouncement being followed by a kiss on the head. So, Covid-19 or not, the show goes on, and happily, with an opportunity to glimpse a less-familiar take on an annual celebration here in south Texas: ALLERSEELEN.