Baduwa't Festival
A Gathering of the People
Formerly known as the Mad River Festival, the Baduwa’t Festival is a culmination of performing arts, music, celebration and connectivity, held on the ancestral lands of the Wiyot Tribe. In Soulatluk, the Wiyot language, Baduwa’t is the word for Mad River. The festival name change was approved by Wiyot leaders in Spring 2021 and Dell’Arte is honored to support the work of the Wiyot Tribe to revitalize the language by using the original name of the river for the festival name.
2024 Festival Overview
Returning for its 34th season, Dell’Arte International presents the Baduwa’t Festival, its annual 4-week summer celebration of theater, family friendly entertainment, music, and performance.
This year the festival features the first Dell’Arte Company mainstage show since the pandemic: The Poor of New York, a comic adaptation of a classic American melodrama. Other events include The Prize of Hope Ceremony, a co-production with the Danish Institute of Popular Theater; the Humboldt FolkLife Festival, a jam-packed week of live music presented by Humboldt Folklife Society; the Citizen Joy Project, a nationwide interactive performance; and an alumni guest performance of Forgive Us, Gustavito by Otherland Theater Ensemble. The Festival closes with the return of String & Shadow Puppet Theater and their new show Or So It Would Seam. Hope to see you there!
Tickets are sold to individual events, but folks can also take advantage of a Patron Pass, a one-stop buy of tickets to The Poor Of New York, The Prize of Hope Ceremony & Dinner, and tickets for Forgive Us, Gustavito.
2024 Schedule
June 21–23, 28–30, July 5–7 — 8:00pm — The Poor Of New York - Dell’Arte Company
[Single Tickets] [Patron Pass] Kick off the summer with both laughter and tears as Michael Fields directs a cast of Dell'Artians in a comic adaptation of a classic American melodrama. A financial crash, a government shutdown, and some people growing rich off others' misfortune play at the center of the story. Sound familiar? Expect Dell’Arte’s special brand of physical comedy and original music played by the amazing house band.
POSTPONED — Panel Discussion: DAI at 50 [FREE]
A half century of people and evolution will be commemorated by a panel of representatives from each of the last five decades who have shaped (and been shaped by) Dell’Arte. Come enjoy a conversation about our history and the ups and downs along the way. This event will be a hybrid in-person/virtual experience.
July 7 — 4:00pm — Prize of Hope Award Ceremony [Single Tickets] [Patron Pass]
Dell'Arte has been offering the Prize of Hope with the Danish Institute of Popular Theater since 2008. This is an event that is truly international and not to be missed! This year’s Prize of Hope is awarded to Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu of San Francisco. Tickets include the Ceremony in the Carlo Theater, consisting of a short performance and the presentation of the Prize, drinks and an outdoor dinner.
July 8–11 — Workshops with Trash Mash-Up! at Dell'Arte [FREE]
July 14 — Daytime Disco with Trash Mash-Up! in Annie & Mary Day Parade [FREE]
Alumni Bird & Jessie McCracken of Trash Mash-Up return with a visual spectacle made of music, movement, and “Maskostumes.” Participants spanning multiple generations will convert unwanted objects into a joyous costumed dancing event during the parade. Free drop-in workshops July 8–11 from 12:30–2pm at DellArte. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Email trashmashup@gmail.com for more info.
July 16–20 — Humboldt Folklife Festival [Tickets & Info]
Dell’Arte hosts the beloved festival that shows off the amazingly talented musicians who make music here in Humboldt. From songwriters to bluegrass to Beatles sing-a-longs and more. Evening concerts will be in the Carlo and the Rooney and Free Day will have two outdoor stages.
July 26–28 — 7:00pm — Forgive Us, Gustavito by Otherland Ensemble [Single Tickets] [Patron Pass]
The solitary hippo of the National Zoo is dead. Alumni Becca Finney, Tushar Mathew, and Lucius Robinson return to the Carlo to present a story that is equal parts classic noir and outrageous animal madness. Join Detective Emilio Hippo as he investigates: what does it mean to be complicit in a system you cannot identify? This show is funded in part by the Nancy LaFrenz Memorial Fund.
July 27 — Citizen Joy!
Dell’Arte Alum and Cirque du Soleil star Jeff Raz has orchestrated a day of nationwide interactive performances celebrating democracy. Focused on gratitude, agency, and harmony, Citizen Joy will feature story sharing and wishes for the future. UPDATE: No performance at Dell'Arte. We are consolidating our efforts to support the Citizen Joy! project by Playhouse Arts.
August 11 — 6:30pm — Or So It Would Seam by String & Shadow [Single Tickets]
The Olympia-based troupe returns with a new show with equal parts whimsical fairy tale, outer-space odyssey, and slap-stick clown show. Between interdimensional subway cars, expanding black-holes, and giants who weave the fabric of space-time, Or So It Would Seam will take audiences out of this galaxy to contemplate the intricate and unexpected ways we are all connected to one another. Filled to the brim with giant puppets, original storytelling, and live music. This show is good for all ages.
Dell'Arte thanks these Baduwa't Festival sponsors for their generous support:
