Join Pine Mountain Club on August 19 through 21, as a multifaceted festival takes place at the base of Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. This third annual cultural celebration, inspired by Chumash legends, to whom Mt. Pinos was Liyikshup, or “Center of the World,” features Native American storytelling, storytelling videos, songwriting competition, and an amateur playwright competition, with plays about humankind’s relationship with nature and ecological challenges.
The eco-drama theme is based upon the Chumash concept of keeping balance with the universe and humankind. Ten short plays, chosen from selections received from around the U.S., will be performed in a reader’s theater style. The audience votes for grand prize festival winner.
Friday August 19, 7 p.m.
• Native American Storytelling: Dee Dominguez (Kitanemuk & Yowlumne Tejon Native American)
• Video Film Fest of Youth’s Digital Storybooks: Alan Salazar (Chumash Native American storyteller and educator)
Saturday August 20: Reader’s Theater presentations
• 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Round 1
• 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Round 2
To vote, audience member must attend one entire round.
Sunday August 21, 1 p.m.
• Presentation of Playwright First Prize Award $500
• Followed by Song Writing Competition and First Prize Award $300
During the three-day event, the adventurous can take guided hikes to Mt. Pinos by “Naturalist for You.”
How to get there: From Valencia, North Interstate 5. After Gorman, exit Frazier Mountain Road/Frazier Park (Exit 205); west on Mt. Pinos Way (the road name changes to Cuddy Valley Road). After about 12 miles, at a fork in the road, turn right on Mil Potrero Highway. Drive six miles to Pine Mountain Club. Watch for the Center of the World Festival signs. Turn left at the fuel station to the gazebo. Admission: Donations.
For more information, please call 661-242-1583, visit www.centeroftheworldfestival.org or write to P.O. Box 1929, Frazier Park, CA 93225-1929.