The Musuem of Anthropology’s November Night Shift was an unforgettable evening. This month’s cabaret was packed with Day of the Dead festivities (Día De Los Muertos). There was music, interactive theatre, live painting, altar-making, and a lot more.
The Museum was transformed into a colourful space with accent lighting, banners, and artwork. There were even some people who came in full costume and painted faces. The DJ played music in the lobby as people mingled over food and drinks. Several art stations were set up for people to decorate skulls and masks. People were also painting on a large blank mural on one end of the room. An intricately decorated altar was there for people to place a photo of a deceased loved one.
Later in the night was the interactive theatre piece by SITE Theatre. It was an interesting experience that was unlike anything else I’ve experienced. We had an entertaining guide show us the way through the ‘underworld’. We started in the Great Hall and made our way through the museum displays stopping at several stations along the way where we faced different challenges.
This was the liveliest I’ve ever seen the Museum of Anthropology. It drew a crowd of all ages and there was something fun to try for everyone. MOA is hosting a December Night Shift with the theme of Supernatural Vibes and a UBC Studio Session featuring talented UBC musical acts – be sure to add them to your calendar.
Written by Tiffany Zhong
Photography by Philipe Roberge