Written and performed by Michael Kass and directed by Diana Wyenn, "Ceremony" is a funny, gratifying, and incredibly genuine look into the sense of belonging, community, and purpose that we seek throughout our lives.

Performed in the hidden gem that is the Bootleg Theater, Kass opens his show by asking everyone if they grabbed a brownie on the way in— he wanted to make sure he made enough for the whole audience. Then he invites us to close our eyes and take a few deep breaths before settling in to watch the performance.

With nothing more than a series of brightly-colored buckets to accompany his words, Kass shared the story of his experience with Ayahausca Tea in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and all the moments in his life that led him there.

For those who have never heard of Ayahuasca, it is a hallucinogenic tea prepared from the bark of the Ayahuasca vine that grows in the Amazonian regions of Peru. Typically led by Shamans, Ayahuasca Tea Ceremonies are intended to be a highly spiritual, healing, and awakening experience for everyone involved.

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The show is casually conversational yet wonderfully theatrical at times, with lighting and sound that transport the audience from the humdrum repetitiveness of Kass’ daily life to the mystic ambience of the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Although alone on stage during the entire performance, Kass (with the direction of Wyenn) vividly recreated all the characters essential to his story, and at times, it seems as though the stage is full with the presence of all these characters. This is executed masterfully during the tea ceremony scenes, when the story switches back and forth between the colorful, sensory, and profound hallucinogen-induced thoughts in Kass’ head to the presence of the ceremony leaders, participators, and music that fill the space during the ceremony.

The show is an absolute delight to watch. Through it is a realistic and honest insight into someone else’s personal journey to find meaning and a sense of belonging in their own life, the audience becomes a part of that community; and through the shared experience of this performance, left to ponder the things, people, and experiences that bring meaning into our own lives.

“Ceremony” is playing through September 28 at the Bootleg Theater (2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles). Tickets are $15. For more information visit CeremonyTheShow.com

Reach Contributor Amy Gonzales here.

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