The Puzzle Plan

The central theme behind Monkey Puzzle (MP) is the bringing together of distinct parts into an integrated whole, through the playful monkey mind and the healing arts.  Begun as an experiment in spontaneous musical collaboration at the Oregon Country Fair, the Puzzle has blossomed into a small tight knit community whose multiple talents fit together to form a rich multifaceted tapestry. We intend to offer our myriad talents to inspire playfulness, well being, and a peak experience for all those with whom we connect.  According to Taoist astrology, Burning Man takes place during the Monkey time of the year and represents freedom, evolution and the rising kundalini energy that brings us to our fullest capability.  Further more, as 2004 is the year of the Monkey (coupled with the Vault of Heaven theme), our vision is to channel the Celestial Monkey Hordes to play down on earth.

Much like our previous Playa appearance in 2003, MP aspires to create a visibly pleasing space.

The aesthetic theme of Monkey Puzzle could be described as Eclectic Cosmic Monkey with an Asian flavor. The camp will have a few large structures centered on a clearing, also called the Amphitheater, intended for dance (see layout diagram), fire performance and audience participation. Our main structure, the Monkey Dome, is a 24’ x 14’ 6” geodesic dome/ jungle gym where guests will be in invited to stretch their arms, swing around in hammocks and trapeze and strive to access their monkey minds. We will also have a 13' Trampoline, a 10' x 12' performance backdrop, and a 10' x 20' healing space as part of our frontage.  An additional two 10' x 20' shade structures will comprise our kitchen and prep area, with evaporation pond/shower stall to be set up on the opposite corner of the space.  Assorted personal tents will be placed farther back and covered by a modular shade structure. Much attention will be given to preserving the circular clearing in the middle of the 100x100 space, so as to create an internal public gathering area for both the members of the camp and the community-at-large. Our vehicles will form a perimeter around the camp, providing additional shade and windbreak.  The generator would be housed in an adjacent moving truck, dampening the noise, and would provide power to our various modes of structure lighting, perimeter lights, music amplification and image projection.

The Monkey Dome will be the focus of our activities, where we will hold impromptu monkey games, tribal jam sessions, and hold nightly rituals.  We will also hold small ritual performances and dance freak-outs in the Monkey Amphitheatre. Furthermore, we will have a healing space where our wonderful Healer Monkeys will offer scheduled massage, energy work, and divination services.  These activities follow the spirit of the Indian monkey god Lord Hanuman, who embodies the traits of helpfulness, devotion, understanding, modesty, loyalty, and selfless service. In addition to these avenues of expression, we will include fire performance, lead ritual precessions (with an emphasis on the Funeral March, Saturday night), group Yoga/ Qigong activities, and general playful merrymaking.

Scheduled healing sessions will be published in the BM guide, as well as advertised events, such the Power Hour to be hosted Wednesday or Thursday evening for the duration of the night.

Camp members will carry personalized MP cards, which will be used to encourage visits to the camp, as well as items for general exchange. Other MP logo items such as foot salve, lighters, and stickers will also be given as gifts for the wider community. MP recognizes the importance of interacting with the citizens of the Black Rock and will make every attempt to create a unique experience for our visitors. While we seek to create a positive experience for everyone that comes upon the space itself, we simultaneously aspire to weave ourselves into the fabric of the larger astral theme of the 2004 event.