On May 16, we celebrate the Centennial of the Ballets Russes, with a spectacular community-built pageant of puppets, masks, and mobile scenography. The creative directors of this event are the procession Masters Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, who will be in residence at two open community workshops in the Massachusetts Transportation Building from April 25 until May 15.

   Drawing inspiration from the revolutionary costume designs of Alexandre Benois and Leon Bakst, the procession will bring together dozens of volunteers to animate larger-than-life characters from Petrouchka, The Firebird, and other signature Ballets Russes works. Traveling Boston's Esplanade as a roving Carnivalesque narrative, the procession will move to the music of Russian ensemble, Exprompt, ending with a balagan, or Shrovetide street fair, at the Hatch Shell.

   We will create visual elements for the event in free community Puppetraisings, guiding workshop participants in a hands-on melding of dance history with pageant puppetry techniques.The workshops run from April 25 until May 15. Anyone is welcome to come and participate at anytime during working hours (Hours are W-F, 2-8 and Sat-Sun 11-7). No experience is necessary, and children are welcome, as long as they responsibly take part in the tasks at hand. The workshop is located at the Mass Transit Building at 147 Stuart Street (Boylston Street T-stop). School and community groups are encouraged to take part, but groups larger than 8 people should contact the BR 2009 Volunteer Coordinator at least a day in advance. We are also happy to arrange special sessions with school groups or other organizations outside of normal hours.