'Returning to the Mother' is a re-imagination of
'Guardians of Gaia',
an environmentally themed, musical journey originally created and performed by
The Pacha Mamas.
Conceived, produced and directed by Angie Bennett
Through a dynamic fusion of music, spoken word, movement and multimedia, this show celebrates humanity’s inherent connection
to the natural world AND illuminates the profound impact
of this awareness on both personal and planetary well-being.
"Returning to the Mother" will enhance the original production
of "Guardians of Gaia" with additional interactive and ceremonial elements;
as well as, video projection mapping, and an expanded musical landscape, drawing additional creative inspiration from musical artists
and collaborators.
May 2025 UPDATE: This summer, along with artists/collaborators Scott Houston and Katie Martin,
we will begin the process of creating, remixing, and recording additional music.
It is our intention to complete a soundtrack of the main pieces by next springand present them
as a concert with the addition of some of the show's theatrical and interactive elements.
This initial production will be presented by Sol Dance and Roots Productions.
to the natural world AND illuminates the profound impact
of this awareness on both personal and planetary well-being.
"Returning to the Mother" will enhance the original production
of "Guardians of Gaia" with additional interactive and ceremonial elements;
as well as, video projection mapping, and an expanded musical landscape, drawing additional creative inspiration from musical artists
and collaborators.
May 2025 UPDATE: This summer, along with artists/collaborators Scott Houston and Katie Martin,
we will begin the process of creating, remixing, and recording additional music.
It is our intention to complete a soundtrack of the main pieces by next springand present them
as a concert with the addition of some of the show's theatrical and interactive elements.
This initial production will be presented by Sol Dance and Roots Productions.
"Guardians of Gaia" was inspired by experiences with indigenous cultures, nature based workshops/retreats and the reading of the following books: "Mother Earth Spirituality: Native American Paths to Healing Ourselves and the World" by Ed McGAA, Eagle Man; "Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth" Edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee; "The Findhorn Garden: Pioneering a New Vision f Man and Nature in Cooperation" by the Findhorn Community, "Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World" by Joanna Macy; and, Nature Spirits & Elemental Beings: Working with the Intelligence in Nature" by Marko Pogacnik

Workshop productions of "Guardians of Gaia" were part of Atlanta's 7 Stages Homebrew Series. Subsequent performances were held at Mask Theatre, Alternate Roots Conference and
Get Off the Grid Festival.
"The stories, characters, and show is strong with the intention of offering healing and active movement towards coming together as humans to make decisions for the greater health of the planet. While it was whimsical and magical, it was grounded and focused; a hard thing to do in a concise and presentational style. Overall, the work was well received and their engagement with our community was phenomenal. (Heidi S Howard, Artistic Director, 7 Stages, Atlanta, GA)
Get Off the Grid Festival.
"The stories, characters, and show is strong with the intention of offering healing and active movement towards coming together as humans to make decisions for the greater health of the planet. While it was whimsical and magical, it was grounded and focused; a hard thing to do in a concise and presentational style. Overall, the work was well received and their engagement with our community was phenomenal. (Heidi S Howard, Artistic Director, 7 Stages, Atlanta, GA)