Day of the Dead Celebration

With advisors such as actors Jack Black, Brendan Fraser, and John Lithgow, joined by Dr. Steven Sample, President of the University of So. Califonia, Dr. Steven D. Lavine, President of Cal Arts, and others, the 24th Street Theater is a top-notch professional theater, presenting exceptional music, theater, dance and visual art in Exposition Park and Greater Los Angeles. This year's Annual Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) celebration was no exception.

Highlighting this year's festivities were monologues by Tony Duran (come back from the dead to bare his soul), The Colburn Dance Institute's Ballet Folklorico (doing the "Mexican Hat Dance," among others), Brenda Chavales' Aztec Dancers decked out in full-feathered regalia (presenting Danza Xotziquetzalli), Julieta Ortiz' performing "El Violin de Carmelo," the

The parking lot was also transformed into a traditional Day of the Dead Cemetary, all set up for celebrants to decorate and paint the markers in remembrance of the dead. Homemade tamales and home-style quesadilla's, along with a variety of refreshments, were available for the incredibly low price of only $1 each!

Flesh of Eros

Eros, and his business / art partner and boyfriend, Paul Chirumbolo, were each invited to exhibit work in the visual arts exhibition (see paintings pictured at right).

Eros' work, Eros Flesh takes more of a metaphorical turn when it comes to the Day of the Dead. That is to say, the Demons portrayed are from one's inner space, bad habits that rise from within. "They come at you when you least expect them," says Eros. ""But giving them up is a must!"

Paul's painting, Death, is one of a number of studies in progress from Eros' collaboration with Paul on The Original Gay Tarot. Death is portrayed as a state of transformation, not an ending, but a necessary prerequisite to the new birth taking form. "None of us have been taught to go easily into change," says Chirumbolo, "and change is what the Death card is all about."

To Receive Online Updates

Click on any IMAGE to start the Dia de los Muertos Celebration Slide Show.