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Taylor Keller THEA 2000 Richmond 3/31/17 = Egungun =  This performance is from Mexico and dates all the way back to Mayan times. Just to give a brief synopsis of what the book said, it is a type of theater where the performers and audience members are able to communicate with their ancestors. Based off my reading online I learned that the actors who play the “dead” are fully masked with long pieces of decorative cloth that hangs in front of their face and whole body. It is not only a performance that is very traditional, but the main purpose is to make sure the ancestors still have a place among the living and feel they are still important. They believe the ancestors have power to compel the living to live up to the ethical standards of past generations. Egungun is celebrated in festivals called Odun Egungun. Egungun priests and initiates are trained for years in ancestral communication. When the drumming and dance begin, the robed performers are thought to become possessed by the spirits. While possessed, they demonstrate both ethical and amoral behavior that occurred from their last visit. They expose the strengths and weaknesses of the community and what can be approve on. When the performance is done, they give messages, warning and blessings to the assembled spectators. In Brazil, the main cult of the Egungun is found on the island of Itaparica, in the State of Bahia. Houses of worship dedicated to the Egungun also exist in other states. The cloth plays an important role becayse their beliefs in nakedness are correlated with infancy, insanity and lack of social responsibility. The more elaborate fabric, colors and designs show you social power and prestige. The clothing always is used for the masker’s transformation as a major medium. The ensemble is repairs year after year to make sure it looks just as good for each new visit with the ancestors.