Now in it’s 54th season, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, will be presenting Oil & Water at the Mateel Community Center on Saturday, July 20th.  Presented as two one-act musicals linked by their environmental theme, Oil & Water depicts the “abusive relationships our society has with our natural resources and the lengths we’ll go to satisfy our thirsts” all done in their characteristic, quick-change, singing and dancing, anything-but -silent, political style.

Winner of three OBIE awards and a Tony Award for “excellence in regional theater” the San Francisco Mime Troupe creates plays that dissect and make sense of the headlines with close-up stories that make audiences feel the impact of political events on their personal lives. Lauded by the New York Post as “America’s oldest and finest street theater” the Troupe faced a “nail biter” of a funding crunch this year, when through what they described as “a perfect storm of disappearing grants and growing venue expenses” they were forced to think about canceling their show for the first time. When their regular fundraising didn’t bridge the gap, they turned to their large email list and with the help of  Bay Area press, let people know that without at least $40,000 there would be no Mime Troupe tour this year. Their appeal received a phenomenal response, raising $43,000 in one month. It is clear that the Mime Troupe holds a special place in the affections and legacy of the San Francisco Bay and other progressive, theater-loving areas. The Mateel Community Center is proud to continue our support of this excellent theater group that our community enjoys annually!

With their cogent and hilarious satiric humor, punctuated by their   slapstick physical style, the Mime Troupe’s Oil & Water challenges the dangerous energy practices of both corporations and the rest of us, an issue of concern to Humboldt County and the rest of California, that is particularly up front during this drier than usual summer season. 

Mark your calendar now for this always enjoyable San Francisco Mime Troupe evening of theater and laughs. Doors open at 6:30 for dinner. Beer and wine will be available for purchase as well. SFMT music will start at 7:30 and the play itself will start at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door only and are first come/first serve. For more information visit our website at www.mateel.org